We support people who face many issues relating to poverty and social injustice both in the UK and abroad.
How We Help
Right now, as you read this, Comic Relief cash is hard at work supporting people and communities in real need – both across the UK and the world’s poorest countries.
In the list below you’ll discover ten stories which give a flavour of the kind of work we support to help people transform their own lives.
International - Women and Girls
Joy's story, Uganda
Joy’s parents couldn’t afford her an education – or sometimes food. This changed when a Comic Relief funded project gave her father a loan to grow tomatoes and onions. The business flourished and Joy now attends school.
International - People Living in Urban Slums
Siphiwe's story, South Africa
Shot whilst working as a guard, wheelchair-bound Siphiwe lives in a shack on top of a Johannesburg building. His hope of escape pinned on The Legal Resources Centre, a free advice service supported by Comic Relief.
International - Street and Working Children and Young People
Rohit's story, India
Beaten by his father, 14-year-old Rohit fled home and ended up on Delhi’s streets. Thankfully, he was told about the Butterflies Night Shelter, a Comic Relief project that gives street children shelter and vital support.
International - Trade
Alberto's story, El Salvador
After the awful civil war in El Salvador, Alberto’s attempt to rebuild his life as a farmer proved hopeless because of unfair trade rules. That was until he joined one of the many cooperatives supported by Comic Relief.
UK - Local Communities
Connor's story, England
Ten-year-old Connor was a likely candidate to join a gang that roams where he lives.Thankfully, he discovered The Moss Side Fire Station Amateur Boxing Club – a Comic Relief funded project which has helped him shine.
UK - Mental Health
Mike's story, Wales
Depressed and diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, Mike was deeply unhappy and struggled to hold down a job.That was until he began to volunteer for Cardiff Mind’s Greenscape gardening project, which Comic Relief funds.
International - Health
Rosetta's story, Uganda
In Uganda, Rosetta saw a son and daughter die from malaria. Last year, she and her remaining family received some of the 500,000 mosquito nets Comic Relief distributed in the country. They now stand a fighting chance.
UK - Young People and Alcohol
Sarah-Jane's story, Scotland
Sarah-Jane’s dad died from alcohol abuse aged 45. Determined to stop young people following in his footsteps, she became involved with Greater Easterhouse Alcohol Awareness Project, an initiative Comic Relief funds.
UK - Sport for Change
David and Carl's story, Northern Ireland
In Belfast, David and Carl were unlikely friends. One is Protestant and one is Catholic. But thanks to Midnight Street Soccer, a project Comic Relief funds, they’ve overcome prejudices and now play for the same team.
UK - Young People and Mental Health
Mahum's story, England
The pressure of caring for a relative was hard on Mahum. So much so that she began to harm herself. Thankfully, Mahum was put in touch with Girls Xpress, a project Comic Relief funds which supports girls who self-harm.