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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To hate Children in Need?

210 replies

Runny · 18/11/2016 19:12

I probably am because it raises money for such good causes, but I find the whole television spectical really toe curlingly awful to watch.Every year it's the same old, the BBC newsreaders doing an 'hilarious' song and dance skit, the cast of Eastenders having a sing song and an endless stream of insincere celebrities who are only taking part to make themselves look good.

I really want to like it, but just can't. On the other hand I love Comic Relief and look foreward to that. CiN just leaves me cold.

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elliejjtiny · 16/11/2025 16:18

We rely on some of the organisations funded by children in need. I wish they didn't have to get the money this way but i can't see an alternative to be honest, the nhs and the council are both broke.

hoarahloux · 15/11/2025 22:03

Almost a decade since this thread was posted. Fine to hate it but say it out loud: the children featured should be supported without having to be on national television. They should get what they need without having to plead with the public to donate.

Netcurtainnelly · 15/11/2025 21:46

The annual bore should be axed.
I dont know anyone who watches now.

herbaceous · 15/11/2025 21:44

I’ve long wanted to punch Pudsey right in his gormless face.

woodhill · 15/11/2025 10:10

I can’t stand it

Viviennemary · 15/11/2025 09:00

I dont watch it either. Can't believe I read stars get paid for their appearances. I'm not lining the pockets of folk far richer than me.

topcat2014 · 15/11/2025 08:04

I love how this thread came back to life and I found my reply from 2016. Well done to Sara Cox but I still don't watch it.

SparklyBiscuit · 15/11/2025 04:18

No I dont watch either comet relief or children in need nor do I ever donate it feels to much on a put on sob story its the same with all the others charity they do the presenters get paid millions and millions. Its outdated and I dont like the way children are pitted and having to beg for money and help. It feels all fake to me

WouldHave · 20/11/2016 11:00

I suspect the millions of desperate people who have benefited from CIN and CR don't think it's "a piece of shit". Frankly, saying that you won't give because richer people than you are asking you to give is a cop-out.

WLF46 · 19/11/2016 18:14

Yes, Children in Need is a piece of shit. So is Comic Relief for that matter. Getting told to give our money to a cause by people who are so much more able to afford to says it all really. It would be like the Queen using her Christmas speech to complain that people shouldn't be driving cars over two years old.

BrianMolkoismyPlacebo · 19/11/2016 17:41

Thanks for the infor vango

elliejjtiny · 19/11/2016 14:39

It's not just about money though, it's about raising awareness and the cin programme really helps with that. My 10 year old has aspergers syndrome and he looks forward to children in need day every year. He says it's the one day when people are forced to stop and think about what it's like to be a disabled child like him and his brothers, one of whom has complex medical needs and disabilities. He says that the world normally revolves round "normal" people and this Is one of 2 days a year when the focus Is on the children who most of the time have to try and live in a world that is not designed for them. The other day is the local short breaks family fun day.

ForalltheSaints · 19/11/2016 07:59

I don't watch the programme though donate if someone I know is doing some fundraising.

Vango · 18/11/2016 23:47

What do you mean LilQueenie? Their accounts are publicly available. As is the list of organisations in receipt of grants, and the amounts.

LilQueenie · 18/11/2016 23:36

yanbu Not all the money goes to the charity therefore I don't agree with it. If they admitted the actual figures and where they went then yes I would be ok with it.

Vango · 18/11/2016 23:35

It angers charity workers and volunteers that people have to rely on charity too!

flopsypopsymopsy · 18/11/2016 23:34

YANBU

Never watch it.

Statelychangers · 18/11/2016 23:28

Can only watch this shite at the end of an evening's drinking, it really is poor quality broadcasting....however we usually donate at some stage. As far as I am aware everyone involves gives their time for free.
I wish the bloody Gov would fund our societies needs properly, it angers me that people in need have to rely on charity.

Shiningexample · 18/11/2016 23:21

celebrity circle jerk

ladymariner · 18/11/2016 23:18

You'd rather have Comic Relief......where Lenny Henry took the piss out of stammerers by that hideously unfunny skit on the Kings Speech. Bastard. I will never forgive him for that, I literally cannot watch anything he's on. (not that I suppose he will lose any sleep over that but it makes me feel better.)

sukindred · 18/11/2016 23:16

I also can't stand the radio 2 "things money can't buy "auction I never listen to radio 2 for the weeks that it's on because it makes me feel so rubbish-when people are bidding what it would take a lifetime to earn on ordinary wages.I know it's for charity - which is why I just don't listen those weeks.I really think it rubs your face in how some have so much money to spend on a day out while most of us just make ends meet.

Shiningexample · 18/11/2016 23:14

wealthy people patting each other on the back and publicly polishing their halo's as they urge the star struck peasants to dig deep and give
the whole circus is sickening

Vango · 18/11/2016 23:13

CIN is the BBC's own charity Brian. The telethon is also (in a way) publicising charities you'd prefer to give direct.

CiN funds thousands of charities from tiny self help groups to Winston's Wish and everything in between. Not all of them have huge numbers of supporters donating regularly. Fundraising, for the smaller groups in particular, is hard. CiN can raise enough to be able to make big grants that can make a lasting difference.

BrianMolkoismyPlacebo · 18/11/2016 23:06

Give locally

BrianMolkoismyPlacebo · 18/11/2016 23:03

Why is cin more important that any other charity? Why does it get so much publicity?
Yanbu

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