Children in Need supports homework club

When we think about Children in Need we often focus on the huge amounts of money raised for such a worthy cause. But do we really think about what that money actually funds and the difference it really makes?

At the weekend I was back in Suffolk visiting family when I came across the story of a homework club based at local high school in Ipswich, which has been funded in part by donations from Children in Need.

BSC Multicultural Services has been running for a decade and offers support with homework as well as online training and sports clubs. Unlike much after-school provision, it is completely free to attend, and has made a huge difference to children in the local community, offering children a calm and safe space to complete homework and revision, supported by teachers. The young people who attend speak very positively about the service with comments such as... "It's a huge community and it's just amazing to do the work with people, instead of just doing it home alone, and you get support from teachers around you."

I had a quick look at their website and it is clear to see just how much support groups like BSC Multicultural Services give to their local community and how they can be a lifeline for the most vulnerable.

This is an interesting example when looking at material factors that affect attainment, but also when looking at poverty and welfare in general.