The children’s charity of

All age christmas

service and resources

Action for children

This year, I joined the Action for Children team as the Head of Church Partnerships, and it is my privilege to present you with this year’s resource pack to help you plan your own Action for Children – All-age Christmas service. Special thanks go to Mike and Ann Bossingham from the Family Friendly Churches Trust who have provided us with such wonderful resources again.

It’s Christmas again – so soon, and many people have been looking forward to this season with excitement! Unfortunately, some children and their families like the ones that Action for Children supports, can’t distinguish between one day and the next due to their present situation. They think about how they can survive one day at a time.

As we reflect on the birth of Christ, let us think about those children too. I’d like to invite you to hold an ‘Action for Children – All-age Christmas service’. It is customary for the Methodist Church each Christmas to not only think about such children who really need our support, but to act on their

behalf. We can’t thank you enough for your unwavering commitment not just at Christmas but throughout the year.

This resource pack is rich with ideas that you can use in various ways as you see fit; you can use all or just pick out the parts that would work best for you. Alongside the carol singing, bible reading, prayers and mince pie eating, we’d be grateful if you could take a special collection towards our work. Collection and gift aid envelopes and a Christmas Carol booklet are available from your local fundraiser.

We’ve also included information about what we’re doing to tackle bullying and some children who have been bullied – stories we shouldn’t even have to hear or have to tell. With your support, we can continue to change children’s lives.

With thanks and best wishes for 2016.

Karis Kolawole Head of Church Partnerships Action for Children

For a child has been born

for us!Isaiah 9:6

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Memories of the first Christmas.Call to worship: Psalm 24:7-10

Hymn: Make way, make way

Prayer

Creator God, We praise and worship You For all that You are and for all that You have done. You set this world in motion; You give the breath of life to every living thing; You give us the gifts of time and space So that we can make sense of the world.

God the Son, We praise and worship You. By Your coming to live amongst us You give worth and dignity to all humanity. Through the diverse people who played a part In the story of Your birth, We learn that all people can find acceptance in You.

God the Holy Spirit, We praise and worship You. You have drawn each of us here tonight, And You have things to say to us. Speak to us through the old familiar story, So that as we listen again to something that we know so well, We may discover afresh what it means To be loved by You. Gracious God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, We praise and worship You, Now and for ever.

Amen

Isaiah 11:1-9

I expect you’re hoping for a peek inside Joseph and Mary’s photo album. There’s lots to see so let’s get started straight away. Everybody likes lovely scenery, don’t they? How about this one? It’s a picture of our beautiful world. Why look at it right now? Well, God made it, and this evening, we’re going to hear about some of the things that God has done.

Hymn: Long ago prophets knew

Mary takes up a pose, looking a little distracted. There is a glimpse of someone leaving.

Here’s a picture of Mary. I don’t think it’s the best one I’ve seen. Such a pity she’s not looking at the camera. I think something must have happened to distract her. I wonder what it was.

Luke 1:26-38

Hymn: The angel Gabriel from heaven came

Joseph takes up a pose looking half sad, half angry.

Now this is Joseph. He doesn’t look very happy, does he? In fact, he almost looks angry. I wonder if we can find a better one of him.

Changes the pose to sleeping.

Look at this one! Someone must have snapped him while he was asleep. Don’t you just hate it when people do that? I wonder if he’s dreaming about anything.

Matthew 1:18-25

Hymn: O little town of Bethlehem

The innkeeper takes up a pose as in promotional literature.

Have you ever been to Bethlehem? Where did you stay? It’s always difficult to be sure that you’re going to a good place, isn’t it? Then, of course, if you’re obliged to go somewhere when a lot of people are going there too, there’s a danger that the inns and hotels will be full up. This picture must have been cut out of a brochure. I wonder if this man always looks so welcoming.

Luke 2:1-7

Mary and Joseph take up a pose with baby Jesus.

Oh look, the first baby photo. This is what we always wait for, isn’t it? When you see this, it’s so easy to forget all the struggles and the effort and the anxiety that took place first. This baby’s life is going to get a whole lot busier, and there’ll be dangers to be faced before very much time has gone by. But for now, let’s just rest in the peace of this moment.

All-age Christmas service.

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Prayer

Gracious God, The snapshots that we have seen tonight Have been so familiar; Mary’s obedience; Joseph’s change of heart; The response of the innkeeper; the wonder of the shepherds; The homage of the wise men. As we consider the Christmas story, Help us to look beyond the well-known pictures, And to enter into the reality Of all that happened during that first Christmas season. Then give us grace to respond in obedience to your call, To take in all that you have done with renewed wonder, And to bring our humble worship To Jesus, born in a stable, our Lord and our Saviour.

Amen

The final snapshot is of the innkeeper tidying away the manger.

That’s it. They’ve gone. Herod wasn’t to be trusted and they fled to Egypt to keep the baby safe. How do I know? Well, because of all the other snapshots in this album; the ones we don’t have time for. This baby grew to be a man, you see; a man who did amazing things. Do you remember that first photo, of our beautiful world? I told you then that God had made it. But you see, he didn’t just make it; he loves it too. In fact, God loves it so much that he sent Jesus to be its Saviour; and that’s why we have a Christmas story to tell.

Hymn: O Come all ye faithful

The Blessing

Hymn: Away in a manger

The shepherds take up a pose, as if casually seated around a fire.

These pastoral scenes really conjure up an atmosphere, don’t they? I wonder what it was like out there, waiting for something to happen. Of course, they weren’t doing that, were they? They didn’t know anything was going to happen. For them, it was just an ordinary night, like any other.

Luke 2:8

The shepherds change their pose, holding up their arms to shield them from the light.

Luke 2:9-16

Hymn: It was on a starry night

The shepherds gather together as if taking a selfie, with thumbs up, signs of celebration, etc.

They’re certainly having a great time, aren’t they? Do you take selfies? I’ve sometimes wondered why people don’t just ask someone else to take the photo. In this case, perhaps it’s because no one wants to be missed out. They all want to join in the celebration.

Luke 2:17-20

Hymn: A band of angels

The next picture is of Herod, with guards, one of them holding up a hand as if to block the camera.

That’s King Herod. He’s obviously not keen on unauthorised photography. Well, he’s the king, so I suppose he’s entitled to keep people at a distance if he wants. Who gets to meet him, do you suppose? Only the rich and powerful, I expect. Perhaps he’s afraid that someone might want to replace him.

Herod poses listening to the wise men.

Matthew 2: 1-8

Sounds like Herod might have been right. I don’t think those wise men would be very wise to trust him, do you? What do you think they did next?

Hymn: We three kings

Wise men pose presenting their gifts

I think this must be one of the most amazing photos, and yet we forget the wonder of it, don’t we? Look at those three wealthy men who’ve just been entertained as honoured guests by a king, and yet here they are, kneeling in a cowshed. It makes you think, doesn’t it?

Matthew 2: 9-12

Hymn: See him lying on a bed of straw

Your support really does make a difference

With almost half of all young people being bullied and a quarter of these children feeling suicidal, bullying is certainly a common theme which Action for Children comes up against time and time again. Action for Children aims to give children the tools they need to help them tackle any issues they may face. We aim to work alongside children, offering them one-to-one sessions in which they can discuss what’s happening to them, in a safe environment. We offer coping mechanisms to face everyday life, and in some cases, work alongside schools to improve conditions for children. It’s our constant aim to safeguard children, so they can feel safe whether it’s within their home, school, or local community. We want to give them a chance to reach their full potential and thrive in all they do.

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Call to worship: Isaiah 40:1-5

Hymn: Let earth and heaven combine

Prayer

Almighty God, We have all travelled to be at this service. Some may have come from a distance In order to spend Christmas with family or friends. Others may be here from the local community; Still others have come because this is their regular place of worship.

This evening we will hear of many journeys; Mary and Joseph travelling to Bethlehem; The shepherds running to see the baby; The wise men coming from afar with gifts; The holy family fleeing to Egypt.

As we hear again about these journeys, Give us a deeper understanding Of what it must have meant To play a part in this story.

But let us not lose sight of the greatest journey of all; That of Jesus, who though He could claim the highest place by right, Laid His glory aside, and came to be one of us, Born in a stable to an ordinary couple. Even as we rejoice in the birth of this child, May we bow down in worship before Him; For He is the one who lived, died and was raised, So that just as He shared in our poverty, So we may share in His glory.

Amen

Carol service.

Hymn: O come, O come, Immanuel

Luke 1:26-38

Sketch no. 1 – Joseph gets a visit By Ann Bossingham

Joseph is clattering around his carpenter’s shop, hammering or struggling to get a nail out of a piece of wood with pliers. It doesn’t work, he throws it down; searches for a piece of wood, etc. He’s clearly an unhappy, angry man who can’t settle to anything. A man enters and knocks on the counter or work bench, but Joseph doesn’t hear. The man watches whilst Joseph holds two pieces of wood together, places a nail, then realises that he doesn’t have his hammer to hand. The man offers it to him.

Man: Is this what you’re looking for?

Joseph: (jumps) Good grief, where did you spring from?

Man: I just came in through the door. I did knock, but you didn’t hear me.

Joseph: No. Well, I was busy. (Gathers various bits and pieces together)

Man: I can see.

Joseph: (carries on working for a time) Look, I don’t know what’s brought you here today, but this is a carpenter’s shop, not the Tiberias Lyceum, and I’m not here to entertain you.

Man: I can see you aren’t. You’ve got a lot to do, and a lot on your mind.

Joseph: Who told you that?

Man: No one.

Joseph: (belligerently) No, I suppose if you go sneaking around other places like you’ve just sneaked in here, you’ll get to hear all sorts of conversations that are none of your business.

Man: I’ve not been doing that. In any case, anyone looking at your face could see that you’re preoccupied.

Joseph: (suspiciously) You’re not from round here, are you?

Man: No; just passing through.

Joseph: (gruffly) Sorry I was rude. Do you want a drink or something? It’s a hot day.

Man: Thank you.

Joseph: (gets a pitcher and pours two drinks) Passing through, eh?

Man: That’s right.

Joseph: So what brings you to my shop?

Man: I was told you were a useful bloke to have around.

Joseph: Useful? Hmm. Yes, I’ve been useful all right.

Man: That was said with feeling.

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Joseph: No.

Man: And when she spoke to you, did she sound as if she’d gone mad?

Joseph: No. She was scared; but she was very clear.

Man: Right. So it seems obvious to me what you should do.

Joseph: Well, I’m glad it’s obvious to you, mate, because it isn’t obvious to me.

Man: Listen. You shouldn’t be afraid to marry your Mary. She really is the good girl that you always thought her; and God’s chosen her to bear his son. What’s more, he’s obviously chosen you as well.

Joseph: Because I’m a useful bloke.

Man: Useful; solid; reliable. Mary’s going to need someone like you. Well, I must be going. Thanks for the drink. (Gives his goblet back).

Joseph: Wait a minute. What’s your name?

Man: Why do you want to know?

Joseph: I thought I might name the baby after you. You’ve really given me hope, you know? (Turns to put the goblets down).

Man: Call the baby Jesus. God’s going to use him to save his people. (Exit).

Joseph: But what’s your… (Turns back to empty space) name?

Joseph’s poem

I could have made him a cradle. God made these hands; gave me ability; Gave me a feel for wood, its shape, its smell. Watched as I honed my skill; Laboured in father’s workshop as a boy, More hindrance than help, no doubt – But watching, listening, learning, Ready for the right time, When his business would become my business.

That I could understand; but this? It passes my comprehension. I had plans, you see? Plans to make a home, a place of safety, For her, and the children that would come. Then out of nowhere, all my plans are upside down, And I am all adrift, as if someone Should pluck me out of my workshop And drop me in a boat on Galilee And say, ‘There, carpenter, go fishing!’

God showed his plan, and everything was changed. That took some stomaching! But still, I thought, there’s something I can do; The child may not be mine; He may be coming to us in ways Unwanted and unsought; And if I’m honest, even now, I’m not entirely sure; But then I told myself, At least I can make him a cradle.

I’m not to be permitted that, it seems. God’s plans don’t take account of what I offer; My skills aren’t needed here. A long trek to Bethlehem, The search for a lodging, Housing for my wife whose time is near – What use my craftsman’s skills in all of that? What use my cradle, strong and solid, Built to keep the child secure and warm?

Joseph: Yeah, well if you’d thought that you really mattered to someone, and that that person respected you and then you found out that they were just using you, you might say it with feeling as well.

Man: There’s a story behind that remark.

Joseph: Are you really just passing through? I haven’t seen you before, have I?

Man: Yes, I’m just passing through; and no, you haven’t seen me before. Are you looking for someone to talk to? I’m not a gossip.

Joseph: (sighs) Are you married?

Man: No

Joseph: Engaged?

Man: No. You?

Joseph: (pauses) I was so happy. Of course it was all arranged for us; but if I could have had my pick of all the girls in Nazareth, I wouldn’t have chosen any different. I thought she was special, you know?

Man: I know.

Joseph: I thought she was a good girl, a decent girl; my Mary.

Man: Mary; that’s a nice name.

Joseph: Turns out she was someone else’s Mary before she was mine.

Man: Someone else’s?

Joseph: She’s expecting his child.

Man: How did you find out?

Joseph: She told me.

Man: She told you about this other man?

Joseph: Yes. No. She came out with a crazy story about an angel visiting her, and God wanting her to bear his child. Of course, I didn’t believe it.

Man: Why ‘of course’?

Joseph: Well, does it sound likely to you? Honestly!

Man: That God should use an ordinary girl like your Mary? The same God who used a boastful dreamer to save his people from starvation, or a murderer to lead his people out of Egypt? The same God who used a slave girl to send a leprous general to the prophet Elisha? The God who founded King David’s dynasty through the faithfulness of a woman from Moab? No, it doesn’t sound a bit likely to me!

Joseph: You mean, you think it might be true?

Man: I think it’s just as likely as your Mary suddenly changing character so as to become almost a completely different person from the one you wanted to marry.

Joseph: So what should I do?

Man: What do you think you should do?

Joseph: I’d be within my rights to have her stoned for adultery; but I couldn’t do that, no matter what she’d done. I thought I’d just ask her parents to pack her away somewhere, and perhaps pretend she was a widow, or something.

Man: Look; this story about an angel visiting and God’s purpose isn’t something a bad person would make up, is it?

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Luke 2:6-7

Hymn: The Virgin Mary had a baby boy

Luke 2:8-20

Hymn: See amid the winter’s snow

Matthew 2:1-12

Song: Riding out across the desert (STF)

Address

Hymn: In the bleak mid winter (while the offering is taking place)

Prayer

Gracious God, We bring our gifts to You with thankful hearts, For You are a generous God, And You have given us every good thing that we possess. Yet we know that this world is full of people in need. And so we pray for the wider world, Thinking especially of people with power and influence. We ask that they may consider the needs of those they serve More than their own status.

We pray for Your church everywhere. We ask that those who believe in You May love one another as Christ commands.

We pray for those in need at this time; For the sick, especially any who are known to us. In particular, we pray for the work of Action for Children. We ask for your blessing upon paid staff And upon volunteers. May they serve others as if serving Christ Himself. Be with the children and families with whom they work.

May they truly experience the love of Christ Through the service of those who act in His name.

Finally, we pray for ourselves and for our families and friends. Grant that we may make room for Jesus In our hearts and our homes this Christmas. In His name we pray.

Amen

Hymn: Silent night

Sketch 2 – Joseph gets a another visit

By Ann Bossingham

Joseph is in his carpenter’s shop, whistling cheerfully. He is making some shelves, using a spirit level, standing back, etc. Mary is curled up on the floor, a short distance away.

Joseph: (looking round) Pencil, pencil, pencil.

(enter Angel Gabriel, who holds out a pencil for him.)

Gabriel: Is this what you’re looking for?

Joseph: (shows no surprise) Oh, thanks.

Gabriel: What are you making?

Joseph: I’m making a sort of display cabinet.

Gabriel: What for?

Joseph: We’ve got some really fantastic gifts, and Mary wants to put them on show.

Gabriel: Oh? What gifts did you get?

Joseph: Well, we got gold, frankincense and myrrh from some magi; then this bloke I hadn’t seen for about twenty years sent us a sort of statuette of his mother…

I could have planned better than You, Lord. Bethlehem’ll be packed from floor to rafters. What if I cannot find a place to stay? Will I need my craftsman’s skill To mend a stable door to halt the draft, Or make a cradle from a feeding trough? Is that how you’ll use me?

Well, the strength of my arm is Yours, and theirs; Through everything that comes; but all the same, When all is said and done, I’d like You to recall, I could have made him a cradle.

Hymn: Tell out my soul

Luke 2:1-5

Joseph’s monologue

Well, here we are in Bethlehem. What a journey! I’m glad I haven’t got that to do again; and it must’ve been far worse for Mary. Poor Mary! I expect that travelling was the last thing she wanted to do in her condition. But of course there was no choice. Caesar ordered the census and we had to go. And so did a lot of other people; so many that all the inns were full.

I can’t tell you how many places I tried, knocking on doors, then plastering an artificial smile on my face for the benefit of the people who answered. And all the time I was asking politely for shelter, increasingly I just wanted to take them firmly by the collar and shake them until they gave us a room.

That wouldn’t have done any good, of course – getting into a scrap with Mary so close to her time. So I kept my temper, and asked nicely, and we ended up in this place. A stable! I ask you, ‘Hardly appropriate, is it?’

What d’you mean, it’s fine for a carpenter? Well, I’d want to take issue with you over that, for a start. But this is no ordinary baby. It’s God’s son. Please don’t smile. It’s true. Both Mary and I were told independently by God’s messenger. I don’t mind telling you it’s taken me quite a while to come to terms with it. But I promise you I now see that it’s an honour. A real honour. So I told God I’d do the best I could for the lad.

Mary’s resting just now. I suspect it’ll soon be time to be calling the midwife. At least that’s what I’d be doing in Nazareth; Auntie Miriam would be with us in a shot. But here, I’ve no idea where to find a midwife, or whom to ask; and I just can’t leave her while I go looking for one. So I expect I’ll have to deliver the baby as well.

Back in Nazareth there’s a comfortable house, and a cradle ready for the coming of the child. It’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever made, though I shouldn’t say so. Only the best for God’s son. And here we are, with nothing but an animal feeding trough to put him in. I ask you! What kind of a start is that?

I’m sorry, Lord; sorry about everything. The long journey, the full inns, this shabby stable and no midwife. But I don’t see how I could have changed any of that. I’ve done the best I could; and I’ll keep on doing it. Maybe that’s all any of us can do; that, and put my trust in You. Well, it seems like I’ve no choice, because there’s no one else around here to help. But then it seems to me from what I remember of the Scriptures that it’s when people are right down to the end of their own resources that you come through. Well I’m certainly at the end of mine.

(Listens) That’s Mary crying out. I’d best go to her. (Looks up) I just hope you know what you’re doing. (Exit)

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Gabriel: Joseph…

Joseph: Then there’s the rather tasteful copy of the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments from the inn-keeper and his wife; or they might actually be the Ten Commandments, because he brought them in wearing a really weird disguise…

Gabriel: Joseph…

Joseph: And King Herod sent us an oil lamp, plus a lifetime’s supply of oil. Actually, I’m not sure how to store that. This is all a dream, isn’t it?

Gabriel: That’s right.

Joseph: (sits down.) I remember you. You came to my carpenter’s shop on the day I was thinking about cancelling the wedding.

Gabriel: Right again.

Joseph: I stuck with her, by the way.

Gabriel: I rather thought you had.

Joseph: It wasn’t easy, you know. There was a lot of talk. But we got through it.

Gabriel: I knew you were a solid, reliable sort of bloke.

Joseph: We could have done without that journey to Bethlehem, with Mary so near her time; but I suppose it got us away from the gossips. We’ve settled down here quite nicely, really. We could make a home here. Mary, Jesus and me. I did call him Jesus, like you said.

Gabriel: Joseph, do you remember why I visited you before?

Joseph: You were just passing through, you said.

Gabriel: That’s right. But I had a purpose in coming to your carpenter’s shop, all the same. Do you remember what it was?

Joseph: You told me not to be afraid to marry Mary, because her baby was part of God’s plan to save his people. Why are you here this time? What are you doing in my dream? (suspiciously) You haven’t brought me another present, have you?

Gabriel: In a way. I have a message for you from God.

Joseph: Are you what they call an angel?

Gabriel: You’re certainly quick on the uptake for a man who’s fast asleep.

Joseph: Some shepherds came to see Jesus soon after he was born. They said that some angels sang to them. They said it was the most beautiful sound they’d ever heard. Were you one of those?

Gabriel: Yes, I was there.

Joseph: Wow. You couldn’t give me a tune right now, could you?

Gabriel: Wrong time and place, I’m afraid.

Joseph: I thought not. What’s the message, then?

Gabriel: Joseph, I’m sorry, but you can’t make a home here in Bethlehem.

Joseph: Why not? I’ve got my business established. We’ve made friends.

Gabriel: Unfortunately, you’ve also made a very powerful enemy.

Joseph: An enemy? But who?

Gabriel: You remember that nice King Herod in your dream, who sent you the oil lamp? I’m afraid he’s not as nice in real life. In fact, he wants to kill Jesus.

Joseph: Why?

Gabriel: Because Jesus is a king; God’s holy one. He’s not an earthly king; he won’t want or need Herod’s crown; but

Herod only has to hear the word ‘king’ and he sees him as a threat.

Joseph: What must I do, then?

Gabriel: You must take Mary and Jesus tonight, and run for it to Egypt.

Joseph: Egypt! How long must we stay there?

Gabriel: Until you get a message to say that it’s safe to go home. Don’t worry, Joseph. God’s people have been in Egypt before. It was out of Egypt that God led them to freedom. And they need carpenters in Egypt as well.

Joseph: But what about my display cabinet? Oh, I suppose that’s just part of the dream as well; like all the other presents.

Gabriel: You don’t really want to be lugging round a statuette of someone’s mother and a replica of the Ten Commandments, do you?

Joseph: I suppose not.

Gabriel: But the gold, frankincense and myrrh are real enough. The gold will help you to get set up in Egypt, just as some of it has helped you here; and the other things will be useful in their time.

Joseph: And your warning’s a real gift, because it’s saved us from death.

Gabriel: Well, that’s what the gift of Jesus is all about. And now it’s time for me to wake you. There’s no time to be lost.

Joseph: Then why have we been bandying words just now? (Leans back and closes his eyes).

Gabriel: Oh Joseph, don’t you know that a dream lasts for no more than the flicker of an eyelid? (Whispers) Joseph! Wake up! (exit)

Joseph: (opens his eyes, gets up and goes to Mary, shaking her gently) Mary! Get the baby ready. It’s time we were going.

Hymn: Hark the Herald

(Mary and Joseph exit during the singing of this hymn).

Blessing

Gracious God, You called Mary and Joseph, Welcomed humble shepherds And guided the wise men. May we go from here knowing ourselves accepted, Ready to hear Your call And to follow where You lead; And the blessing of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit Be upon you and remain with you this Christmas time and always.

Amen

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James has haemophilia and autism. He was bullied at his primary school for being ‘different’. But, he feels safe at The Pines, one of the short breaks services for disabled children run by Action for Children.

Any form of bullying for James is literally life-threatening. Physical contact can cause internal bleeding which is hard to stop. Verbal comments about him being different make him very upset and can cause great distress

James uses the short breaks service at The Pines – he’s entitled to 24 nights a year. These short breaks have given him the opportunity to make new friends and to experience a bit of independence from his mum Susan, his carer. Susan says the staff are very attentive and he feels confident at the centre.

It’s great for James because he’s able to make friends with confidence. He’s really bonded with another boy, who has Down’s Syndrome, and they’re now best friends. The staff know him for being very kind – a lot of the other children have physical disabilities, and some can’t speak, and James helps them too.

He’s now starting secondary school where many special arrangements are being put in place to keep him safe.

James and his mum, Susan.

Shortbreaks @ The Pines

A six-bedded project providing shortbreaks for disabled young people and their families.

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David is 17 and has Williams Syndrome which affects many parts of the body. As a result he has learning difficulties, and looks a little “pixie” like; he also has an unusual gait.

When he was a young child he went to schools for children with severe learning difficulties, and had no problems with bullying. But, because he wasn’t being stretched at those schools his family decided to send him to a school for children with moderate learning difficulties when he started secondary school. This is when the problems started. Other children bullied him, but it was difficult to address the bullying because of their learning difficulties.

His mum tells of a time when David went away on a school trip when he was fourteen. He came home very distressed but wouldn’t say why. Eventually he calmed down. Then, a couple of days later another mother rang to apologise on behalf of her

son for what had happened on the trip. She told Jane that David had been taken away and bullied by other boys. Jane feels that the issue of children with learning difficulties bullying other children with more severe problems is not being openly discussed – there is a taboo around it.

David has also experienced bullying by other children outside school – at the park with his older siblings, who then felt they were unable to care for him as the taunting was so “vicious”.

David.

Action for Children’s involvement

We have been providing David with short breaks at the Pines in Hertfordshire. He’s been three times already and he really enjoys it, even though the other children are more severely disabled and it’s hard for him to make friends. He likes to chat with the adult carers about football and is looking forward to going again.

You can help even more children like James and David by raising funds for Action for Children to tackle bullying.

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One man’s legacy has been keeping children safe for over 145 years. Yours can do the same.

Will you help us to keep children safe?

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For more information about remembering Action for Children in your Will:

actionforchildren.org.uk/legacieslegacies@actionforchildren.org.uk0300 123 2112

When Reverend Thomas Bowman Stephenson arrived in London in 1869 he couldn’t believe how many homeless children there were. One boy said “Do what you can for us, Sir”. He listened and set up the National Children’s Home to reach out and support children across the UK.

Today we are Action for Children and we work relentlessly to fix problems early and give every child and young person the love, support and opportunity they need to unlock their potential.

Our local services support more children and their families across the UK than any other charity. Thanks to the generous support of amazing people just like you, who leave a gift to Action for Children in their Will, we are able to give children a brighter future.