children in need really pisses me off

[Mightybanhammer]

I know I am being unreasonable but I really do dislike it and can't quite articulate why.
Prefer to choose my charities rather than have it thrust down my throat I suppose.
Anyone else?

You would like a link from a mumsnetter that gives a comprehensive breakdown of where £50m has gone?

And you seriously expect it?

You'd be better off contacting the BBC or the CIN organisation to get the information SouthEastDweller

mirime Perhaps you can provide a link with detailed info? Because these two articles are quite vague about where the money goes:

www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/5ShlK3DH4J6XyLMXXTw355h/frequently-asked-questions-faq

beta.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=802052&subid=0

make a freedom of information request. There is literally no reason for anyone to list every grant they award or donation they utilise. Especially when it's £50m worth

You would like a link from a mumsnetter that gives a comprehensive breakdown of where £50m has gone?

I thought that somewhere online there would be a breakdown (which I think is fair in terms of transparency what with CIN being a charity and all) but I can't find one, so asked if someone else knew.

southeastdweller - the link has already been given further up the thread:

www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/psvxkB6QDMK63pgHmP5RJF/who-you-help

I found it fascinating - a full breakdown of how much money was given to hundreds of different charities across the UK. I've never heard of most of them but all sound like they're doing fantastic work.

Its been better this year tbf.

Its obvious where money goes if you watch all the kids stories. Most of these support networks would not be there if not for funding from CIN. Its disgraceful but there doesnt seem to be the money for desperately needed support in a hundred areas of life changing events. As pp said the momey would have to come from somewhere just government seem to be unable to find it for the ill, disabled or kids who need support for a variety of reasons. Funny that from such a 'caring' government.

But then if taxes were put up there would be uproar i supppse.

Just dont watch it, dont watch the kids with life threatening illnesses, kids who have to be carers for family members, kids who gave lost parents and siblings and all the wonderful people who support them and thier families. Makes me cry every year. I am happy to give a little bit of money once a year. I also give to other charities but that doesnt prevent me from giving to CIN.

This is the London and South East breakdown for example:

downloads.bbc.co.uk/tv/pudsey/grants/CN0187_Grants_Listings_London_and_South_East_England.pdf

There's a document the same for the other areas of the UK too.

bbcchildreninneed.co.uk/map

This link shows you which projects CIN support.

I find the programme quite humbling. There are a lot of hidden charities out there providing support to all sorts of people, many on our doorstep without us realising.

I've read the whole thread and wasn't referring only to grants. Thought I was being crystal clear about that.

cute needy kids
Jesus wept just seen this.
Yes kids dying of cancer and othet diseases and CIN providing a few hours of fun and laughter to their hospital stay, babies having strokes and being completely unable to do anything for themselves any more and cin providing a few hours respite for the whole family in a centre or hospice yes thats all so cute that's why i watch it. For the cuteness🤔

OP Feel ashamed

I don't mind the concept of helping others. However I really dislike the idea the increasing idea that these children are something "other". I have so many Facebook posts saying how glad people are that their children are happy and healthy et etc.
These children are from families that are part of general society. They are not some sub category. It should be recognised that everyone needs a good support network and not just some charity effort once a year.

CIN has its flaws like other organisations but the people like to see it banned. What would happen to the families that do get help

I agree with you Gosh, but I think CIN provides the funds for these charities to provide all year round.

My DC was in Great Ormond street Hospital (Also known as GOSH!). I remember we had some clowns come around and did some tricks. All these years later, I can stil recall his eyes lighting up whilst watching them. It was the first time he he had perked up. The singing teacher in hospital reminded me of the clowns and the work they did.

Maybe the programme is needed to get money from the lard arses who aren't as virtuous as some of you on this thread.

Some of you should be disgusted with yourselves. Some of the comments on here are absolutely vile.

Just watched the story of Vanessa who was 4 years old when she died of cancer and the way she lit up when she talked about the charity workers who would come into hospital and spend time with her doing what she loved (singing) should make some of you ashamed of the things you’ve said like ‘cute needy kids’.

Let’s just hope that none of you have to face pain like this. And let’s hope that some of the families, like Vanessa’s, are not reading these abhorrent comments.

Yes if all the people who said they were going to give to small local charities every year instead of CiN did so, they would have much more money, and wouldn't need the grants. I bet they'd be delighted if CiN came off air and they all had to do their own publicity in their community. They'd easily replace funding that way [hmmm]

Southeast - well, just the first 3 pages of the South East/London document adds up to nearly 1.5 million. Given that there's 71 pages of that document as well as 30 pages for N.I, 38 pages for Scotland, 30 pages for Wales, 68 pages for Central England, 57 for North England and 48 for South West then there's not going to be a whole lot else that 50 million could stretch to.

Average of say 400,000 per page with 342 pages = 136.8 million.

I must have happened to add up 3 pages with higher than average page totals I suppose.

But it looks like a fairly safe bet that nearly all the money went in grants.

I pay the money but never watch the tv show. Dull

I dont agree with how they administer the money, they have a massive amount stockpiled like 90 million and its invested in the stock market in arms and tobacco companies etc.
I think they shouldnt be sitting on this amount they should be using it and when they are down to like 5 million then asking the public again.They are not transparent about what they are doing either.
I wont donate to them because its basically corrupt.

The money that is invested has already been awarded to grant recipients (usually as 3 year grants). It's not released upfront because organisations have to produce an annual report before the next instalment is released. As many pps have pointed out, the security of a 3-year grant can prevent many small organisations from folding. Every penny raised is allocated in the same year.

We know nothing about the charitable giving of the celebrities involved. But their fan bases will probably watch tonight and may well be persuaded to give.

If the fact that CiN even exists is what appals so many of you then look carefully at the next governments spending priorities before casting your vote. Whatever CiN raises tonight pales into insignificance beside the current government's £31 BILLION Trident renewal spend for example.

I don't know why people have to be so scathing about a programme that is raising money to help children and their families. Maybe if you actually went to a children's hospice and saw all the great things they do with the children and the way the families are cared for , all with no expense for them, you may change your mind. Most hospices need every penny they can get. No-one is forced to watch the programme or donate.

I thought admin costs were paid out of interest/dividends earned on the money invested. The money raised isn't paid out immediately as grant applications have to be made and also money is usually phased over time so the charities can continue over a number of years.

I have just watched the video about Vanessa's story. Absolutely heart breaking For those of you saying that the Government should be funding everything, there just isn't the money. In this example the NHS provided the medical care. CIN provided a singing therapist. Vanessa loved singing and this therapist helped her smile, a beautiful smile. Would you rather the Government funded this therapist and other services like her or more medical treatment for other children?

Many local charities cannot raise the funds that they could receive in grants from CIN. If 100 people donate £5 each to one particular local charity, I am sure the charity would be grateful but I am sure they could do a lot more with £10k grant from CIN

Admin costs paid out of interest? No way! There is no interest

The admin costs were, historically, covered by the interest earned on the money raised. That income substantially reduced when interest rates fell. Gift Aid now seems to have replaced it. The FAQ page, publicly available and easily accessed, tells you this:

When the Public donates a pound to BBC Children in Need, this is a pound that goes to help change the lives of disadvantaged children and young people. This includes the costs of ensuring our grants are allocated to excellent projects in communities across the UK making a tangible difference to young lives; monitoring and evaluating the project to ensure the money is being used to maximum effect and ensuring that grant making is supported, processed and governed responsibly.

All other costs not attributable to grant making are covered by investment income and gift aid.