The Charity Show

In episode 42 of The Charity Show, Tim and Piers tackle one of the biggest questions facing charity comms teams right now: what do you do about social media - and is it finally time to walk away from X?The main conversation is a two-part deep dive with Madeleine Sugden, digital impact consultant and author of the blog that coined the phrase “the Charity Exodus” – a renewed wave of charities leaving X following recent changes to the platform.Madeline unpacks what’s really driving this shift, from content moderation failures and safeguarding concerns, to the introduction of AI tools like Grok and the breaking of what many charities see as ethical red lines. She explains why some organisations are leaving loudly, others quietly, and why for many charities the decision isn’t as straightforward as it might look from the outside.Together, Tim, Piers and Madeline explore:Why the charity sector feels particularly exposed on platforms like XThe reputational and ethical risks charities are weighing upWhether X is still the place for journalists, politicians and crisis commsWhat the data actually shows about engagement and reachThe rise of BlueSky and why some charities are thriving thereWhen mirror publishing works – and when it doesn’How AI-generated content is changing the rules for charity comWhy flexibility, values and clarity matter more than ever in social media strategyUseful links:Madeleine's blog: https://madlinblog.wordpress.com/AP Cymru – Supporting neurodivergent children and families in Waleshttps://www.apcymru.org.ukThe Muscle Help Foundation – Creating “Muscle Dreams” for young people with muscular dystrophyhttps://www.musclehelp.comThe Good Studio – Creative content for good causeshttps://www.thegoodstudio.co.ukGet involved:Listen to The Charity Show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favourite platformEmail us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thecharityshowpod@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Send a voice message to TheCharityShow⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Find every link you need: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/thecharityshow⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Enjoyed the episode? Leave a five-star review and follow/subscribe to support the show!💡 If you enjoyed this episode, hit follow or subscribe on your podcast app, and please leave us a five-star rating — it helps more people find conversations with real charity experts across the UK.This episode is produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Good Studio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ – Creating great content for good causes.From podcasts and campaigns to film and copywriting, The Good Studio helps charities tell powerful stories that make people care.👉 Find out more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.thegoodstudio.co.uk ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In episode 41 of The Charity Show, Tim Beynon and Piers Townley dive into one of the most intriguing (and intimidating) areas of charity communications: working with celebrities, influencers and content creators.Joining Tim for a deep-dive conversation is Rachel Braier, a PR and celebrity consultant who specialises in matching public figures with charities in ways that are authentic, strategic and genuinely effective. Rachel brings a refreshingly honest, human take on what really works – and what definitely doesn’t – when charities try to harness influence.The episode kicks off with Tim and Piers reflecting on the long slog of January, the realities of freelance life, and what’s been keeping them busy across the sector – from Brain Tumour Awareness Month planning and celebrity partnerships, to the growing power of the charity freelance community.From there, Rachel helps demystify the world of celebrity engagement. She explains why the definition of “celebrity” has fundamentally changed, why lived experience matters more than follower numbers, and how charities – especially small and medium-sized ones – can stop feeling “cap in hand” and start recognising the value they bring to the table.The conversation also tackles some of the trickier realities charities face, including:Why influencer and celebrity engagement isn’t just about reach anymoreHow charities should approach agents (and why timing and instinct matter)The rise – and serious underestimation – of micro-influencersHow to think about stewardship, not just one-off asksManaging reputational risk, cancel culture and crisis momentsSupporting staff wellbeing when working closely with celebrities with lived experienceAlongside the main interview, Tim and Piers break down the latest charity sector news, including:A new £11.5 million government fund aimed at strengthening partnerships between charities and local authoritiesFresh insights from the Mass Participation Pulse report on the future of charity fundraising events, rising costs and shifting motivations for fundraisersAs always, the episode wraps up by shining a spotlight on small charities doing brilliant work with limited resources, including Canine Partners and the Children and Young People’s Cancer Association, reinforcing why smaller organisations deserve more visibility across the sector.Whether you work in comms, fundraising, campaigns or leadership, this episode offers practical insight, reassurance and a confidence boost for any charity wondering whether celebrity or influencer engagement is really “for them”.Useful linksCanine Partners – https://www.caninepartners.org.ukChildren and Young People’s Cancer Association – https://www.cclg.org.uk/Mass Participation Pulse Report – https://massive.co.uk/news/the-mass-participation-pulse-2026/The Good Studio – Creative content for good causes: https://www.thegoodstudio.co.ukGet involved:Listen to The Charity Show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favourite platformEmail us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thecharityshowpod@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Send a voice message to TheCharityShow⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Find every link you need: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/thecharityshow⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Enjoyed the episode? Leave a five-star review and follow/subscribe to support the show!💡 If you enjoyed this episode, hit follow or subscribe on your podcast app, and please leave us a five-star rating — it helps more people find conversations with real charity experts across the UK.This episode is produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Good Studio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ – Creating great content for good causes.From podcasts and campaigns to film and copywriting, The Good Studio helps charities tell powerful stories that make people care.👉 Find out more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.thegoodstudio.co.uk ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Happy New Year and welcome to the first show of 2026.In this episode, Tim and Piers kick off the year by reflecting on life in the sector, the realities of charity leadership and what smaller organisations can teach the rest of us about agility, innovation and resilience.They’re joined by Sharon Bell, who shares her “squiggly career” journey from chartered accountant to Chief Executivem of Services For Education, trustee and education leader. It’s an honest conversation about governance, perspective, lived experience and why getting involved at different levels of the sector really matters.As always, the episode also shines a light on two brilliant small charities doing big things in their communities.In this episode, we cover:Why the New Year Honours List matters for charities – not just celebritiesWhat a “squiggly career” really looks like in the charity sectorMoving between large and small charities – and what each can learn from the otherGovernance challenges and opportunities at different organisational sizesWhy smaller charities are often forced to be the most innovativeEncouraging charity professionals to get involved as trustees, governors and volunteersUseful linksServices for Education – https://www.servicesforeducation.co.ukBaby Basics Northampton – https://baby-basics.org.uk/centre/northamptonFriends and Places Together – https://www.friendsandplacestogether.org.ukNew Year Honours List (UK Government) – https://www.gov.uk/honoursNCVO – Trusteeship and Governance – https://www.ncvo.org.uk/help-and-guidance/governanceThe Good Studio – Great content for good causes: https://www.thegoodstudio.co.ukGet involved:Listen to The Charity Show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favourite platformEmail us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thecharityshowpod@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Send a voice message to TheCharityShow⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Find every link you need: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/thecharityshow⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Enjoyed the episode? Leave a five-star review and follow/subscribe to support the show!💡 If you enjoyed this episode, hit follow or subscribe on your podcast app, and please leave us a five-star rating — it helps more people find conversations with real charity experts across the UK.This episode is produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Good Studio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ – Creating great content for good causes.From podcasts and campaigns to film and copywriting, The Good Studio helps charities tell powerful stories that make people care.👉 Find out more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.thegoodstudio.co.uk ⁠⁠⁠⁠

This week, Tim and Piers are joined by Howard Taylor, CEO of Lumos Foundation, the international charity founded by J.K. Rowling that is working to end the institutionalisation of children around the world.Howard shares the staggering reality that four out of five children in orphanages aren’t orphans, the systems that separate families, and Lumos’s mission to help children grow up safely, with love, in families — not institutions.Along the way, Howard reflects on Lumos’s 20-year journey, the challenges and breakthroughs of global child protection, and what needs to change if we’re serious about protecting the world’s most vulnerable children.Between the conversation, Tim and Piers dive into the week’s charity news — from Giving Tuesday scam warnings to a controversial PETA Christmas ad — and shine the Small Charity Spotlight on two inspiring organisations supporting families through cancer.In this episode🌍 Why 80% of children in orphanages worldwide have at least one living parent — and what drives family separation.👶 Lumos’s mission to end the institutional care of children and rebuild family- and community-based alternatives.🏠 What deinstitutionalisation really looks like on the ground — and why it’s complex, long-term work.💬 Howard’s reflections on leadership, working internationally, and staying mission-focused in difficult contexts.📣 How storytelling, language and public perception influence global child-protection policy.❤️ The role of hope, partnership and persistence when tackling huge systemic problems.Useful linksLumos Foundation – https://www.wearelumos.orgMilly’s Smiles – Childhood Cancer Charity - Millys SmilesThe Brain Tumour Charity – https://www.thebraintumourcharity.orgPETA UK – https://www.peta.org.ukThe Good Studio – https://www.thegoodstudio.co.ukGet involved:Listen to The Charity Show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favourite platformEmail us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thecharityshowpod@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Send a voice message to TheCharityShow⁠⁠⁠⁠Find every link you need: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/thecharityshow⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Enjoyed the episode? Leave a five-star review and follow/subscribe to support the show!💡 If you enjoyed this episode, hit follow or subscribe on your podcast app, and please leave us a five-star rating — it helps more people find conversations with real charity experts across the UK.This episode is produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Good Studio⁠⁠⁠⁠ – Creating great content for good causes.From podcasts and campaigns to film and copywriting, The Good Studio helps charities tell powerful stories that make people care.👉 Find out more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.thegoodstudio.co.uk ⁠⁠⁠

Charity shops are often talked about but rarely understood — so this week we’re joined by Robin Osterley OBE, outgoing Chief Executive of the Charity Retail Association, to explore what’s really happening on the high street.Robin has led the CRA through retail turbulence, COVID, rising costs and huge shifts in public behaviour. Fresh from receiving his OBE, he shares a clear and honest picture of the charity retail landscape - what’s changing, what’s working, and where the real opportunities are.In this episodeWhy reports of mass charity shop closures are misleadingThe rise of bigger, better “superstores” and what’s driving the changeWhy profitability matters more than everThe cost challenge: wages, NI, inflation and volunteer shortagesWhat really sells in charity shops (and what doesn’t)The impact of fast fashion on donations and wasteHow online platforms, reselling and AI are opening new opportunitiesThe huge social value generated by charity retailRobin’s advice to charities considering expanding into retailSector NewsA Donor Code of Conduct?The Chartered Institute of Fundraising calls for a code following new data showing fundraisers — particularly women — reporting unacceptable behaviour from donors.Key TakeawaysCharity retail isn’t declining — it’s evolvingLarger stores and better curation are improving profitabilityOnline resale is supporting, not undermining, charity retailFast fashion is the biggest operational challengeCharity shops remain powerful community hubs and sustainability championsFor every £1 invested, over £7 of social value is createdWith the right model, retail can be a major strategic asset for charitiesUseful LinksCharity Retail Associationhttps://www.charityretail.org.ukChartered Institute of Fundraising – https://www.ciof.org.ukThe Charity Shop Gift Cardhttps://www.thecharityshopgiftcard.co.ukBritish Heart Foundation – Online Shophttps://www.bhf.org.uk/shopEmmaus UK – Social Enterprise & Superstoreshttps://emmaus.org.ukShelter – Charity Shops & Visual Merchandising Workhttps://england.shelter.org.uk/shopOxfam Online Shophttps://onlineshop.oxfam.org.ukGet involved:Listen to The Charity Show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favourite platformEmail us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thecharityshowpod@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Send a voice message to TheCharityShow⁠⁠⁠Find every link you need: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/thecharityshow⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Enjoyed the episode? Leave a five-star review and follow/subscribe to support the show!💡 If you enjoyed this episode, hit follow or subscribe on your podcast app, and please leave us a five-star rating — it helps more people find conversations with real charity experts across the UK.This episode is produced by ⁠⁠⁠The Good Studio⁠⁠⁠ – Creating great content for good causes.From podcasts and campaigns to film and copywriting, The Good Studio helps charities tell powerful stories that make people care.👉 Find out more at ⁠⁠⁠www.thegoodstudio.co.uk ⁠⁠

Welcome back to The Charity Show Bites - your quick-fire roundup of uplifting stories, clever ideas and community-led initiatives from across the UK charity sector.With stormy weather rolling in and temperatures dropping, Tim and Piers explore the creative, practical and often heartwarming ways charities and local groups are helping people stay warm, connected and supported this winter. From befriending calls to warm hubs, mobile soup vans to volunteer lift schemes, this episode is full of the brilliant small ideas that make a big difference.In this episode, we cover:🔔 Age UK London — winter check-ins, home visits, phone calls and warm-space signposting to keep older Londoners safe and connected.🧤 National Grid Community Matters Fund — grants for warm hubs, food provision, emergency heating support and energy efficiency workshops.🥣 The Salvation Army — its annual winter appeal, including mobile support: roving soup vans, pop-up warm spaces and outreach teams distributing hot meals and thermal clothing.🎄 Age UK Notts: No One Should Have No One — festive lunches, befriending visits, doorstop check-ins and hundreds of new December volunteers.🧥 Health, Hearts & Hope (Kent & Medway) — the Winter Kits Appeal, providing £70 rough-sleeping packs and relaunching their hot-water-bottle scheme.🏠 Places for People – Winter Ready Programme — supporting 49 local warm hubs and food banks through insulation fixes, draft-proofing and heating upgrades.☕ Royal Voluntary Service — new warm-welcome sessions across the North East and South Wales, offering drinks, activities, exercise and social connection.🚗 Community Transport: Warm Wheels — volunteer-driven lifts to warm hubs, lunch clubs and medical appointments in rural areas where bus routes have declined.👉 Whether it’s a warm meal, a warm place or simply warm company, this episode shines a light on the everyday heroes helping their neighbours through winter.Useful links:Age UK London – https://www.ageuk.org.uk/londonNational Grid Community Matters Fund – https://www.nationalgrid.co.ukThe Salvation Army – https://www.salvationarmy.org.ukAge UK Nottingham & Nottinghamshire – https://www.ageuk.org.uk/nottsHealth, Hearts & Hope – https://www.healthheartshope.orgPlaces for People – https://www.placesforpeople.co.ukRoyal Voluntary Service – https://www.royalvoluntaryservice.org.ukCommunity Transport Association (Warm Wheels links) – https://ctauk.orgThe Good Studio – https://www.thegoodstudio.co.ukGet involved:Listen to The Charity Show and The Charity Show Bites on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favourite platformEmail us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thecharityshowpod@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Send a voice message to TheCharityShow⁠⁠⁠Find every link you need: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/thecharityshow⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Enjoyed the episode? Leave a five-star review and follow/subscribe to support the show!💡 If you enjoyed this episode, hit follow or subscribe on your podcast app, and please leave us a five-star rating — it helps more people find conversations with real charity experts across the UK.This episode is produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Good Studio⁠⁠⁠⁠ – Creating great content for good causes. From podcasts and campaigns to film and copywriting, The Good Studio helps charities tell powerful stories that make people care.👉 Find out more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.thegoodstudio.co.uk ⁠⁠⁠

In this episode, Tim and Piers are joined by two of the sector’s leading voices on disability inclusion:Anna Tylor, Chair of the Board of Trustees at RNIBMark Hodgkinson, Chief Executive of Scope, the disability equality charity.Together, they discuss the evolution of inclusion - from challenging stereotypes to transforming public attitudes - and how two of the UK’s biggest charities are leading the way in terms of embedding lived experience into all aspects of their work.In this episode, we explore:♿ Why lived experience in leadership matters and how RNIB and Scope bring disabled voices into decision-making.🧭 How boards can keep inclusion on the agenda without slipping into tick-box territory.💬 Moving from compliance to culture - what true accessibility looks like day to day.📈 The disability employment gap - why it’s still stubbornly wide and what needs to change.🤝 Allyship and collaboration - how non-disabled and disabled colleagues can drive change together.🧠 Tech and inclusion - opportunities, risks and why AI could be a game-changer for accessibility.🛠 Simple steps every charity can take to become more inclusive.Tim and Piers look at the Poppy Appeal, now more than a century old, reflecting on its huge reach and the lasting support it provides for veterans and their families. They also discuss new CAF research showing two-thirds of charity leaders believe the sector’s health is “unwell,” with rising demand, burnout and financial strain topping the list. Finally, they touch on Mind’s latest report warning of a worsening youth mental-health crisis, with more young people struggling and long waits for help.This week’s Small Charity Spotlight features Footprints Baby Loss, a small, volunteer-led charity offering peer support and training for families and health professionals after baby loss, and Contact, the long-standing charity helping families with disabled children through advice, practical support and campaigning for better rights and services.Useful linksRNIB – rnib.org.ukScope – scope.org.ukFootprints Baby LossContact (for families with disabled children) – contact.org.ukRoyal British Legion (Poppy Appeal)Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) – sector wellbeing / reports – cafonline.orgMind – youth mental health research – mind.org.ukThe Good Studio – thegoodstudio.co.ukGet involved:Listen to The Charity Show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favourite platformEmail us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thecharityshowpod@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Send a voice message to TheCharityShow⁠⁠Find every link you need: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/thecharityshow⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Enjoyed the episode? Leave a five-star review and follow/subscribe to support the show!💡 If you enjoyed this episode, hit follow or subscribe on your podcast app, and please leave us a five-star rating — it helps more people find conversations with real charity experts across the UK.This episode is produced by ⁠⁠The Good Studio⁠⁠ – Creating great content for good causes.From podcasts and campaigns to film and copywriting, The Good Studio helps charities tell powerful stories that make people care.👉 Find out more at ⁠⁠www.thegoodstudio.co.uk ⁠⁠

Welcome back to The Charity Show Bites — your quick-fire fix of surprising stories, small charity heroes, and the creativity that keeps the sector glowing.With Bonfire Night lighting up skies across the UK, Tim and Piers turn their attention to the real fireworks - the fundraisers, volunteers and communities using the season to raise thousands for good causes. From lantern-lit remembrance events to neon carnivals and full-blown pyrotechnic competitions, this episode celebrates the warmth, generosity and community spirit that make November 5th one of the biggest fundraising nights of the year.Episode highlightsIn this episode, we explore:🔥 Flint RNLI Fireworks at Flint Castle – an all-volunteer event raising thousands for the life-saving lifeboat station on the River Dee.🎆 Huddersfield Round Table Bonfire – one of Yorkshire’s biggest community events, raising £30,000 for local charities including The Welcome Centre Food Bank and Yorkshire Air Ambulance.🧣 Bradley Stoke Town Council Fireworks Night (South Gloucestershire) – every penny of ticket sales donated to Mamas Bristol and Great Western Air Ambulance Charity.🕯️ Saint Luke’s Hospice “Light Up the Night” – a moving blend of remembrance and celebration, raising £10,000 for hospice care in Sheffield.💡 Bridgewater Carnival – Europe’s largest illuminated charity carnival, generating £40,000 for Brainwave and St Margaret’s Hospice.🎇 Leighton Buzzard Fireworks Committee – over 60 years of volunteer-run displays, raising £28,000 for the Scouts and local hospice services.💥 Southport Fireworks Champions Show – a competitive pyrotechnic event supporting Queenscourt Hospice.🚑 Community First Responders & Air Ambulance Services – how local Bonfire Night collections are literally saving lives.Useful linksRNLI (Flint Lifeboat Station) – rnli.orgThe Welcome Centre Food Bank – thewelcomecentre.orgYorkshire Air Ambulance – yaa.org.ukMamas Bristol – mamasbristol.org.ukGreat Western Air Ambulance Charity – gwaac.comSaint Luke’s Hospice Sheffield – stlukeshospice.org.ukBridgewater Carnival – bridgewatercarnival.org.ukBrainwave – brainwave.org.ukSt Margaret’s Hospice – st-margarets-hospice.org.ukQueenscourt Hospice – queenscourt.org.ukThe Good Studio – creative content for good causes: thegoodstudio.co.ukGet involved:Listen to The Charity Show and The Charity Show Bites on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favourite platformEmail us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thecharityshowpod@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Send a voice message to TheCharityShow⁠⁠Find every link you need: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/thecharityshow⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Enjoyed the episode? Leave a five-star review and follow/subscribe to support the show!💡 If you enjoyed this episode, hit follow or subscribe on your podcast app, and please leave us a five-star rating — it helps more people find conversations with real charity experts across the UK.This episode is produced by ⁠⁠⁠The Good Studio⁠⁠⁠ – Creating great content for good causes. From podcasts and campaigns to film and copywriting, The Good Studio helps charities tell powerful stories that make people care.👉 Find out more at ⁠⁠⁠www.thegoodstudio.co.uk ⁠⁠

This week, Tim and Piers are joined by Nathan Atkinson, co-founder of Rethink Food, a social enterprise on a mission to end hunger through education, sustainability and dignity.From life as a headteacher in Leeds to leading one of the UK’s Top 100 Social Enterprises, Nathan’s story is both powerful and practical — showing how small actions can spark national change.In this episode, we explore:🍞 How one conversation with a hungry pupil changed Nathan’s life — and inspired Rethink Food.🥕 The National School Pantry Network, helping families access food with dignity, not dependency.🌍 Teaching children to “eat to save the planet” through creative food education.💪 Why empowerment, not stigma, must sit at the heart of food support.🎬 The role of storytelling in changing perceptions — and how Rethink Food uses creativity to connect.🧠 Why innovation often starts in the quiet moments — and how the sector can learn from that mindset.Between parts one and two of the interview, Tim and Piers unpack the week’s charity news, including:⚠️ A major report predicting a shortfall of 3 million volunteers across UK charities — and what that could mean for the sector.🎮 The rise of gaming for good, with YouTube star TommyInnit raising £450,000 for Great Ormond Street Hospital through a live-streamed mystery game.And as always, we shine our Small Charity Spotlight on two brilliant organisations:🛍️ World Food Aid Shop (Clacton-on-Sea) – funding food banks and disaster relief, with volunteer power at its heart.🧸 MERU – designing and adapting assistive products and sensory toys for disabled children, giving independence and joy where it’s most needed.👉 Whether you work in food insecurity, education or community programmes, this episode will leave you inspired by what’s possible when creativity meets compassion.Useful linksRethink Food – rethinkfood.org.ukNational School Pantry Network – rethinkfood.org.uk/nspnRoyal Voluntary Service report on volunteering – royalvoluntaryservice.org.ukGreat Ormond Street Hospital Charity – gosh.orgWorld Food Aid Shop – worldfoodaid.orgMERU – meru.org.ukThe Good Studio – Creative content for good causes: thegoodstudio.co.ukGet involved:Listen to The Charity Show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favourite platformEmail us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠thecharityshowpod@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Send a voice message to TheCharityShow⁠Find every link you need: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/thecharityshow⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Enjoyed the episode? Leave a five-star review and follow/subscribe to support the show!💡 If you enjoyed this episode, hit follow or subscribe on your podcast app, and please leave us a five-star rating — it helps more people find conversations with real charity experts across the UK.This episode is produced by ⁠The Good Studio⁠ – Creating great content for good causes.From podcasts and campaigns to film and copywriting, The Good Studio helps charities tell powerful stories that make people care.👉 Find out more at ⁠www.thegoodstudio.co.uk ⁠

Welcome to The Charity Show Bites - your quick-fire fix of surprising stories, sector insights and the occasional spooky surprise between our main episodes.This week, Tim and Piers go full Halloween, rounding up the most creative, funny and downright frightful charity fundraisers from across the UK. From eerie forest trails to glow-in-the-dark runs, haunted quizzes to record-breaking pumpkin carving, these events prove that when it comes to fundraising, imagination is everything.In this episode, we cover:🎃 The London Halloween Walk – hundreds of costumed walkers and eerie pit stops.💡 Hope House Dark Runs – glowing 5K events across North Wales and Shropshire.👻 Leeds Scare Trails – actors, soundscapes and full horror after dark.🧠 Warwick Quiz Night – spooky trivia and fancy dress.🏗️ The Gelder Group Haunted Walk – a Lincolnshire construction company turning its forest into a fright fest.🐾 Lancaster Animal Care’s Spooky Craft Day – recycled crafts, pumpkins and handmade decorations.🪓 The Faversham Pumpkin Challenge – hundreds of volunteers carving 1,000 pumpkins.Useful linksThe London Halloween Walk (Action Challenge) – https://www.ultrachallenge.comHope House Children’s Hospices – hopehouse.org.ukLeeds Mind – leedsmind.org.ukBBC Children in Need – bbcchildreninneed.co.ukSt Barnabas Hospice – stbarnabashospice.co.ukLancaster Animal Care – animalcare-lancaster.co.ukMacmillan Cancer Support – macmillan.org.ukThe Good Studio – Creating great content for good causes: thegoodstudio.co.ukGet involved:Listen to The Charity Show and The Charity Show Bites on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favourite platformEmail us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠thecharityshowpod@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Send a voice message to TheCharityShow⁠Find every link you need: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/thecharityshow⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Enjoyed the episode? Leave a five-star review and follow/subscribe to support the show!💡 If you enjoyed this episode, hit follow or subscribe on your podcast app, and please leave us a five-star rating — it helps more people find conversations with real charity experts across the UK.This episode is produced by ⁠⁠The Good Studio⁠⁠ – Creating great content for good causes. From podcasts and campaigns to film and copywriting, The Good Studio helps charities tell powerful stories that make people care.👉 Find out more at ⁠⁠www.thegoodstudio.co.uk ⁠

This week we’re tackling one of the trickiest topics in the sector - the legal side of running a charity. From fraud prevention and trustee payments to Charity Commission guidance and board responsibilities, we lift the lid on what it really takes to stay compliant and confident.Our guest is Kirsty McEwen, Head of the Charity & Not-for-Profit team at Higgs LLP, a trustee many times over, and a lawyer with 25 years’ experience advising everyone from small start-ups to national organisations. Kirsty joins Tim and Piers to demystify charity law, share practical advice and highlight the most common legal pitfalls facing charities today.Plus, we reflect on a tough week at the Brain Tumour Charity following the announcement of rugby legend Lewis Moody’s MND diagnosis.We also dive in to LinkedIn algorithms, bots overtaking humans online, and a fascinating story about how VR technology is transforming cancer treatment for children.In this episode🧠 Fraud & governance – How small charities can protect themselves from cybercrime and internal fraud.📜 Legal basics – What every trustee should know about constitutions, conflicts of interest and payments.📈 New Charity Commission guidance – From fraud prevention to donations, accounting and compliance.⚖️ When things go wrong – What to do if your charity makes a mistake — and when to tell the Commission.🌍 Becoming a Trustee – Kirsty’s advice for anyone thinking of joining a board or setting up a charity.❤️ Small charity spotlight – Featuring VASA and Kira’s Kingdom, two local charities making a big difference.Useful linksThe Brain Tumour Charity – Lewis Moody FoundationHiggs LLP – Charity & Not-for-Profit TeamCharity Commission Guidance on Fraud PreventionNCVO – Governance and Trustees ResourcesSmall Charities Coalition (via NCVO)VASA – Voluntary Action Stratford-on-Avon DistrictKeira’s KingdomGet involved:Listen to The Charity Show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favourite platformEmail us at ⁠⁠⁠thecharityshowpod@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠Send a voice message to TheCharityShowFind every link you need: ⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/thecharityshow⁠⁠⁠ Enjoyed the episode? Leave a five-star review and follow/subscribe to support the show!💡 If you enjoyed this episode, hit follow or subscribe on your podcast app, and please leave us a five-star rating — it helps more people find conversations with real charity experts across the UK.This episode is produced by The Good Studio – Creating great content for good causes.From podcasts and campaigns to film and copywriting, The Good Studio helps charities tell powerful stories that make people care.👉 Find out more at www.thegoodstudio.co.uk

Welcome back to The Charity Show Bites, your quick-fire dose of surprising stories, sector insights and the odd fact you can impress your colleagues with over a cuppa.This week, Tim and Piers celebrate World Animal Day, which marked its 100th anniversary on October 4th, 2025. From street fundraisers and surprise donations to pop-star scarecrows, this episode shines a light on the brilliant animal charities and community projects helping creatures great and small.In this episode, we explore:🐾 Scottish SPCA’s biggest ever World Animal Day fundraiser – 33 street collections across 15 council areas, powered by hundreds of volunteers.🐴 Remus Horse Sanctuary – open day celebrations in Essex, complete with rescued horses, ponies and donkeys.🐶 £100,000 surprise for Rescue Me Animal Sanctuary – presented by Paddy McGuinness at the Pets Foundation Ball in Liverpool.🐕 Cost of living crisis – new data from the Association of Dogs and Cats Homes showing 97% of rescues face rising demand.🐇 Naturewatch Foundation’s Pet Rescue Grants – microgrants changing lives for small rescue centres like the Bunny Jackpot Foundation and Hope Rescue.🏆 Petplan & ADCH Animal Charity Awards 2025 – celebrating the sector’s unsung heroes, from Cotswold Dogs & Cats Home to British Divers Marine Life Rescue.🌾 Minskip Scarecrow Weekend – North Yorkshire’s eccentric pop-star-themed fundraiser featuring Elvis, Bowie, Madonna… and a surprisingly realistic Meatloaf.🌍 Save Animals, Save the Planet – this year’s global World Animal Day theme reminding us that protecting animals protects our shared environment too.👉 Whether you’re a dog owner, a donkey fan or just love a good feel-good story, this episode is a cheerful snapshot of how the charity world continues to champion animal welfare, 100 years on from the first World Animal Day.Useful linksWorld Animal Day – worldanimalday.org.ukScottish SPCA – scottishspca.orgRemus Horse Sanctuary – remussanctuary.orgRescue Me Animal SanctuaryAssociation of Dogs and Cats Homes (ADCH) – adch.org.ukNaturewatch Foundation – naturewatch.orgPetplan & ADCH Animal Charity AwardsCheck out the scarecrows: https://youtu.be/HpEPBwf-50IThe Good Studio – creative content for charitiesGet involved:Listen to The Charity Show and The Charity Show Bites on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favourite platformEmail us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thecharityshowpod@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Send a voice message to TheCharityShow⁠⁠Find every link you need: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/thecharityshow⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Enjoyed the episode? Leave a five-star review and follow/subscribe to support the show!💡 If you enjoyed this episode, hit follow or subscribe on your podcast app, and please leave us a five-star rating — it helps more people find conversations with real charity experts across the UK.This episode is produced by ⁠⁠⁠The Good Studio⁠⁠⁠ – Creating great content for good causes. From podcasts and campaigns to film and copywriting, The Good Studio helps charities tell powerful stories that make people care.👉 Find out more at ⁠⁠⁠www.thegoodstudio.co.uk ⁠⁠

School holidays should mean fun, friends and freedom – but for too many families, the reality is stress, screens and tough choices. In this episode, Tim and Piers explore the idea of activity hunger with Anna Hoddinott from John Lyon’s Charity.We’ve all heard about holiday hunger and food insecurity, but activity hunger is just as real: the lack of affordable, engaging opportunities for children when school is out. Anna shares powerful insights on:Why missing out on fun and play impacts children’s confidence, learning and friendships.How John Lyon’s Charity has supported thousands of families with its School Holiday Activity Fund.What needs to change at a policy level to help parents juggle work, childcare and holiday costs.The perfect storm of cost of living pressures, safety fears and social media pressures that make this challenge even harder today.Plus, we look at some of the week’s big charity news stories – including a strong joint response from UK autism charities to Donald Trump’s latest bizarre health claims, and how several high-profile organisations handled the fallout from the Epstein files with swift, decisive crisis comms.And don’t miss our Small Charity Spotlight:The Moving On Project Portsmouth – rehoming free furniture and household items to families in need.Boost at DCHS – giving rural young people the opportunities and support they often miss out on.Useful LinksJohn Lyon’s Charity – jlc.londonLearn more about the School Holiday Activity FundMoving On Project Portsmouth Boost at DCHS Get involved:Listen to The Charity Show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favourite platformGot a collaboration story to share—or want to spotlight a small charity? Email us at ⁠⁠thecharityshowpod@gmail.com⁠⁠Find every link you need: ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/thecharityshow⁠⁠ Enjoyed the episode? Leave a five-star review and follow/subscribe to support the show!💡 If you enjoyed this episode of The Charity Show, please follow, subscribe and leave a five-star review on your podcast app. It helps more people in the sector find our conversations with charity experts across the UK.This episode is produced by ⁠⁠The Good Studio⁠⁠ – Creating great content for good causes. From podcasts and campaigns to film and copywriting, The Good Studio helps charities tell powerful stories that make people care.👉 Find out more at ⁠⁠www.thegoodstudio.co.uk ⁠

Welcome to The Charity Show Bites - your quick-fire dose of surprising stories, sector insights and the odd fact you can impress your colleagues with over a cuppa.This week we’re going a little bit international. With President Trump’s UK visit making headlines last week, Tim and Piers take a whistle-stop tour of the incredible ways UK and US charities have teamed up, swapped ideas and raised millions. From silly challenges to world-changing philanthropy, it turns out some of the biggest charity moments of the last century have been transatlantic collaborations.In this episode, we cover:🤡 Comic Relief & Red Nose Day – from Richard Curtis and Lenny Henry in 1985 to Jimmy Fallon and NBC in the US, raising billions either side of the Atlantic.❄️ The Ice Bucket Challenge – the viral 2014 phenomenon that raised over £115m for ALS in the US and £7m for MND research in the UK—directly funding breakthrough discoveries.💉 Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation + Wellcome Trust – two of the richest foundations in the world pooling resources for vaccine research, malaria and epidemic preparedness.🎶 Live Aid (1985) & Live 8 (2005) – London, Philadelphia, Queen, Bowie, Madonna, billions of viewers, and $150m for famine relief.🌍 Elton John AIDS Foundation – deliberately transatlantic from the start, raising $565m across the UK and US.🐦 RSPB & Audubon Society – both born out of campaigns against the feather trade in the 1800s, still working together today on bird conservation.📺 Stand Up To Cancer – launched in the US in 2008 before becoming a UK TV fixture with Channel 4 and Cancer Research UK.Get involved💡 If you’re enjoying The Charity Show and our bitesize episodes, don’t forget to follow, subscribe and leave a five-star review. It helps more people in the sector find us.🎧 Listen now and catch up on all episodes of The Charity Show HERE.Or, send us a message, use our get in touch or leave us a voice message via our LinkTree page HEREThis episode is produced by ⁠⁠The Good Studio⁠⁠ – Creating great content for good causes. From podcasts and campaigns to film and copywriting, The Good Studio helps charities tell powerful stories that make people care.👉 Find out more at ⁠⁠www.thegoodstudio.co.uk ⁠

Welcome back to The Charity Show - the charity podcast that lifts the lid on life inside UK charities, with real stories, expert tips and the behind-the-scenes moments that make the sector tick.This week, Tim and Piers are joined by Stephanie Slater MBE, founder and Chief Executive of School Food Matters, the charity that has been transforming children’s experiences of food in schools for almost two decades.What began with one frustrated parent asking why school meals had to be so poor has grown into a national movement influencing policy at the highest levels. Along the way, Stephanie has earned an MBE and built a team changing how children learn about, eat and value food.In this episode, we cover:🍽️ The early days of campaigning as a parent and how it snowballed into a fully-fledged charity.🥦 Why hands-on food education—growing veg, cooking meals, market stalls—remains central to School Food Matters’ mission.🎓 Leadership lessons from 18 years of scaling a charity while staying mission-led.📊 The recent policy win extending free school meals to more families—and why it’s only part of the bigger picture.🥕 The charity’s 2030 strategy: “better food on every plate” and tackling systemic barriers in school catering.💡 Stephanie’s advice for new founders, chief executives and parent campaigners who want to change the system.In between parts one and two of the interview, Tim and Piers dig into the latest charity news:CAF’s research revealing that three-quarters of UK businesses give nothing to charity - what this means for funding, and why corporate giving must change.The Great North Run medal blunder - how 60,000 runners ended up with a souvenir featuring the wrong map.And of course, the Small Charity Spotlight shines this week on:Women’s Aid North East Lincolnshire – supporting women, children and male victims through refuge, outreach, and a new domestic abuse hub.Sharewear Clothing Scheme – tackling clothing poverty across the East Midlands, supporting 25,000 people a year while saving hundreds of tonnes of clothing from landfill.👉 Whether you’re passionate about food policy, curious about how local campaigns scale into national movements, or looking for leadership wisdom from experienced charity experts, this conversation with Stephanie shows how persistence, optimism and storytelling can transform lives.Useful linksSchool Food Matters – schoolfoodmatters.orgStephanie Slater MBE on LinkedIn – linkedin.com/in/stephanie-slaterSchool Food Review – the coalition pushing for better policy on school foodCAF Corporate Giving Report 2025 – cafonline.orgGreat North Run – official event page: greatrun.org/events/great-north-runWomen’s Aid North East Lincolnshire – womensaidnel.orgSharewear Clothing Scheme – sharewearclothingscheme.orgThe Good Studio – Tim’s new creative venture for charities: thegoodstudio.co.ukThe Good StudioThis show is now produced by The Good Studio - a new creative partner for charities. Founded by The Charity Show’s Tim Beynon, it helps charities tell their stories through powerful content, podcasts and campaigns - without the big agency price tag.Get involved and get in touchEmail us at thecharityshowpod@gmail.comLeave us a voice message HEREFind all our links HERE💡 If you enjoyed this episode of The Charity Show, please follow, subscribe and leave a five-star review on your podcast app. It helps more people discover conversations with charity experts across the UK.This episode is produced by ⁠⁠The Good Studio⁠⁠ – Creating great content for good causes. From podcasts and campaigns to film and copywriting, The Good Studio helps charities tell powerful stories that make people care.👉 Find out more at ⁠⁠www.thegoodstudio.co.uk ⁠

Welcome to The Charity Show Bites, the charity podcast bringing you quick-fire stories, insights and surprises from across the UK third sector.This time, we’re tackling something every parent knows too well: the back-to-school season. September means new shoes, PE kits and endless stationery lists—but for many families, it also means mounting costs and added pressure. In this Charity Show bonus episode, Tim and Piers uncover the brilliant ways charities, volunteers and councils are stepping up to help.Here’s what you’ll hear:👕 Uniform swaps – from Huddersfield’s 40,000-item mega project to Tracy Morgan’s living-room initiative that now supports 1,500 families.🏫 Community schemes – how local volunteers and councils are running free exchanges and pop-up shops.💸 Tower Hamlets’ bold pilot – universal uniform payments to help thousands of families, without means testing.🥣 Magic Breakfast – giving over 200,000 pupils a healthy start to the day.📚 Books not screens – charities like The Children’s Book Project and Book Trust helping children build their own libraries.💛 Mental health support – Young Minds’ toolkit easing back-to-school anxiety for pupils, parents and teachers.We also reflect on the bigger picture: branded uniform costs, hidden family sacrifices, and how the sector keeps finding practical, grassroots solutions.👉 Whether you’re a parent, a teacher, or working in the third sector, this episode shows the difference that charity experts and community champions can make during one of the toughest times of year.Get involved💡 If you’re enjoying The Charity Show and our bitesize episodes, don’t forget to follow, subscribe and leave a five-star review. It helps more people discover conversations with charity experts across the UK.🎧 Listen now and explore more from The Charity Show on LinkTree at: https://linktr.ee/thecharityshow.

Welcome back to The Charity Show, the charity podcast that lifts the lid on life inside UK charities. Real stories, expert tips and the behind-the-scenes moments that make the sector tick.This week, we’re joined by Evie Dickinson, Head of Fundraising and Communications at the Prison Radio Association (PRA)—the groundbreaking charity behind the world’s first national radio station for people in prison.For nearly twenty years, PRA has been running National Prison Radio, a station made by prisoners, for prisoners. Broadcasting 24/7 into cells across England and Wales, it’s not just entertainment—it’s a lifeline. From tackling isolation to inspiring rehabilitation, it’s changing lives and shifting perceptions.In this episode, we explore:🎙️ The origins of prison radio and how it began as a response to mental health crises inside.📻 What makes radio such a powerful tool for connection compared with podcasts or TV.🌍 How the hit podcast Life After Prison supports prison leavers—and has already reached over 10 million listeners.✍️ The creativity sparked by shows like Free Flow, encouraging prisoners to write rap bars and poetry.🚪 Inspiring success stories: from serving time to winning industry awards and working at the BBC.⚖️ The ongoing challenge of public perception—and why charities must use storytelling to demonstrate real impact.Alongside our interview with Evie, Tim and Piers also unpack the week’s charity news:A refugee-sector charity accused of pushing politics into the classroom after a Valentine’s campaign.Cancer Research UK’s polarising social media exchange with Jeremy Clarkson - and what it reveals about when charities should (and shouldn’t) chase humour online.And of course, our Small Charity Spotlight shines on two brilliant organisations quietly making a huge difference:Positive Path Foundation – supporting young people with autism and hidden disabilities through social opportunities and life skills.Growing Hope – providing free therapy for children with additional needs in partnership with local churches.👉 Whether you’re a charity professional, a communications lead, or simply curious about unheard voices, this episode shows the transformative power of radio and why giving people a platform can change lives.Chapters:00:00 – Back from holiday: inbox dread and coping with the heat08:50 – Interview with Evie Dickinson (part one): origins of the Prison Radio Association24:34 – Charity news: political campaigns in schools and social media misfires32:14 – Interview with Evie Dickinson (part two): impact, funding and future goals54:01 – Small charity spotlight: Positive Path Foundation & Growing Hope57:31 – Wrap-up and what’s coming soon on The Charity ShowGet involved:Listen to The Charity Show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favourite platformGot a collaboration story to share—or want to spotlight a small charity? Email us at ⁠thecharityshowpod@gmail.com⁠Find every link you need: ⁠https://linktr.ee/thecharityshow⁠ Enjoyed the episode? Leave a five-star review and follow/subscribe to support the show!💡 If you enjoyed this episode of The Charity Show, please follow, subscribe and leave a five-star review on your podcast app. It helps more people in the sector find our conversations with charity experts across the UK.

What happens to all the tents, bags and buggies we leave behind at festivals, airports and train stations—and how do charities turn them into something good?This week, Tim and Piers rummage through the weird and wonderful world of lost property. From Glastonbury tents upcycled into fashion to TfL’s forgotten baby buggies finding new homes, we explore how abandoned items aren’t always waste—they can become shelter, fundraising, or even a brand-new coat.Expect stories of salvaged camping gear, airport mystery suitcase auctions, charity donations from the London Underground, and a stuffed dog called De Rover. Proof that even the things we lose can create wins for the people who need them most.Useful Links:⛺ Emmaus Hertfordshire – Supporting people experiencing homelessness🛟 Hearts for Refugees – Redirecting tents and supplies to displaced people👕 Ritri Clothing – Festival tents reborn as sustainable fashion🍲 Feeding Families – Community food support in the North East🚇 TfL Lost Property – Where your lost items end up👶 Little Village – Baby bank supporting families across LondonChapters:(00:00) Intro – The charity world of lost property(00:30) Abandoned tents at festivals put to good use(01:20) Ritri Clothing: Upcycling tents into fashion(02:30) Reading Festival’s 71 tons of waste salvaged for food banks and shelters(03:40) Airport mystery auctions: treasure or trash?(05:30) TfL’s lost property – £2m for charity plus some odd finds(06:45) Baby buggies, books and toys donated to Little Village(07:20) Sunderland Metro auctions: guitars, pogo sticks and bunk bed ladders(08:30) Personal stories of things lost and found(09:20) Closing thoughts – why losing something might still do some goodGet Involved:📍 Listen to The Charity Show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favourite platform📧 Got a lost property story—or has your charity benefited from one? Email us at thecharityshowpod@gmail.com🔗 Find every link you need: https://linktr.ee/thecharityshow⭐ Enjoyed the episode? Leave a five-star review and follow/subscribe to support the show!#CharityPodcast #TheCharityShow #CharityShowBites #LostProperty #FestivalWaste #Upcycling #SustainableFashion #Emmaus #Ritri #TfL #LittleVillage #CharityInnovation #ThirdSectorVoices #SmallCharities

Can charities achieve more when they stop competing and start collaborating—even on the biggest goals of all, like curing Parkinson’s and dementia?In this episode, Tim and Piers sit down with Helen Matthews (CEO, Cure Parkinson’s) and Dr Leah Mursaleen (Head of Clinical Research, Alzheimer’s Research UK) to explore a ground-breaking partnership between two of the UK’s leading medical research charities.The pair reveal how the joint project is helping scientists and patients work together to design faster, fairer, more effective research - and why collaboration, not competition, is the only way forward when you’re tackling global health challenges.💡 Plus: what good patient involvement actually looks like, why language matters, and how this partnership is challenging power dynamics in medical research.Useful links:Cure Parkinson’s Alzheimer’s Research UK The Children's Hyperinsulinism CharityHope For EpilepsyChapters:(00:28) Coming up(02:03) Off on hols(05:55) Introducing Helen and Leah(07:05) Helen and Leah - Part 1(26:37) Third sector news(32:38) Helen and Leah - Part 2(54:44) Small charity spotlight(58:19) See you soonGet involved:📍 Listen to The Charity Show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favourite platform📧 Got a collaboration story to share—or want to spotlight a small charity? Email us at thecharityshowpod@gmail.com🔗 Find every link you need: https://linktr.ee/thecharityshow⭐ Enjoyed the episode? Leave a five-star review and follow/subscribe to support the show!

What happens to struggling families when school meals stop over the summer - and how are UK charities filling the gap?In this week’s Bites episode, Tim and Piers dive into the hidden pressures of the school holidays and spotlight the charities working hard to provide free food, clubs, trips and vital support for families.From Feeding Families in Gateshead to Summer Spud Club in Jersey, plus new grants, youth jobs, and no-stigma food support—this episode’s packed with quick, practical examples of how the sector shows up when it counts.So if you’re working on, funding, or just curious about holiday support programmes, this one’s for you.Chapters: (00:47) Holiday hunger and the HAF programme(01:35) Scottish free meals scheme(02:39) Feeding Families – holiday hunger packs(03:08) Caring Cooks – hot meals and Summer Spud Club(03:46) Family Action’s summer trips(04:22) Theatres, museums, pop-ups: finding free fun(05:08) Summer skills and youth job programmes(06:10) Tesco’s donation bags and Stronger Starts(07:18) Household Support Fund and where to apply(08:39) Final thoughts – and tell us what you’re up to!Useful Links:🍽️ Holiday Activities and Food Programme (England)🥔 Caring Cooks – Summer Spud Club (Jersey)📦 Feeding Families (Gateshead)🎉 Family Action Summer Fund🎭 Scottish Sun – 100+ Free Days Out Guide🛠️ London Youth – Summer Skills Grants💼 UK Youth – Summer Jobs Programme🛍️ Tesco Stronger Starts + FairShare Partnership💰 Household Support Fund InfoGet Involved📍 Listen to The Charity Show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favourite platform📧 Got a summer campaign to shout about? Email us at thecharityshowpod@gmail.com🔗 Find every link you need: https://linktr.ee/thecharityshow⭐ Enjoyed the episode? Leave a five-star review and follow/subscribe to support the show!#CharityPodcast #TheCharityShow #SchoolHolidaySupport #SummerHunger #HAFProgramme #HolidayClubs #ThirdSector #UKCharities #SmallCharities #YouthSupport #SummerGrants #FeedingFamilies #CharityShowBites