How you helped in 2021
In December 2020, Comic Relief’s first ever Christmas pantomime “Cinderella” took place at a time of extreme uncertainty for us all. Heavy restrictions were in place as a result of COVID-19 and, apart from those restrictions being eased slightly for Christmas Day, everyone had been told that they must stay at home. Despite all of this, our Christmas appeal saw the UK public showing enormous generosity and donating over £890,000!
Hot on the heels of Cinderella’s crystal shoes, Red Nose Day 2021 took place on 19th March and went on to raise an incredible £61.5m with the money raised supporting people living incredibly tough lives here in the UK and around the world.
Since January 2021, and thanks to your support and generosity, Comic Relief funding has helped to support more than 10.6 million people across the UK and around the world, including…
MORE THAN 17,000 PEOPLE EXPERIENCING OR AT RISK OF HOMELESSNESS TO ACCESS SAFE ACCOMODATION AND SPECIALIST SUPPORT
MORE THAN 750,000 PEOPLE IN THE UK EXPERIENCING FINANCIAL AND MATERIAL POVERTY TO ACCESS ADVICE AND SUPPORT
MORE THAN 57,000 REFUGEES AND ASYLUM SEEKERS SUPPORTED WITH VITAL SERVICES INCLUDING ACCOMODATION, SPECIALIST SUPPORT AND ESSENTIAL SUPPLIES
MORE THAN 2,900 PEOPLE WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED OR ARE AT RISK OF DOMESTIC ABUSE TO ACCESS SAFE ACCOMODATION AND SPECIALIST SERVICES
…and - in 2021 alone - Comic Relief funds have helped to redistribute over 1 million meals, that would otherwise have gone to waste, to people in the UK who need them most.
Thank you to each and every one of you who have continued to fundraise and donate to Comic Relief through some incredibly challenging times.
What we stand for
Themes
Improving Mental Health
Every year, 450 million people worldwide experience mental health problems. We're tackling mental health stigma – as well as making sure people get the support when they need it most.
A SAFE PLACE FOR EVERYONE
Having a safe place to call home is a fundamental right of every person on the planet. But around the world, a shocking 1 in 5 people don't have the shelter they need. We're working to put that right.
A WORLD WHERE CHILDREN SURVIVE AND THRIVE
Every year millions of children still die before their 5th birthday, or grow up in poverty and neglect. Great progress is being made – but it's not happening fast enough and with your help we can accelerate change.
GENDER JUSTICE
The idea that some of us are worth less because of our gender leads to real violence which costs lives. We work with organisations right on the frontline to help people speak out and seek help so they can escape fear, violence and discrimination.
The Work We Support
The People we Fund Cards
Meet Richie and Courtney
In Edinburgh, Richie and Courtney are helping people affected by homeless and addiction to get back on their feet.
Meet Tracey
Seeing the struggles of single mums in her community, Tracey set up Guiding Hands. She’s been working tirelessly throughout the pandemic to ensure that no family goes without food.
Meet Renee
Renee and Norman spent twenty happy years together. But when Norman fell ill, and sadly passed away, Renee needed some more support. The British Red Cross makes sure Renee isn’t left on her own.
Meet Anjali
When the pandemic hit India, it devastated Anjali’s family’s income, education, and wellbeing. Now she’s supporting her community through the crisis.
Meet Pendo
She’s just joined a course near her home on the coast of Kenya – and it could change her family’s life.
MEET ARLO
The fact that Arlo was born profoundly deaf has never stopped him. With support from The Elizabeth Foundation, Arlo has grown into a bright and confident communicator, bravely taking on his first year at mainstream school.
Meet Velna
After discovering that she was HIV positive while pregnant with her first child, Velna knows how scary this can be. With the help of mothers2mothers, she now uses her own experiences to support other mums.
Meet James
When the first Covid-19 lockdown hit in March 2020, James lost his job and his relationship broke down. The School of Hard Knocks helped James out of a very dark place, giving him the opportunity to learn, rebuild his confidence and land his dream job.