What do you think about Children in Need?

Rosie_Scope

Children in Need was on the BBC last night, raising over £33 million so far for different causes. But some people, especially amongst the disability community, find it problematic for various reasons. 

One argument is that the government should be helping disabled and disadvantaged children and they shouldn't have to ask charities such as Children in Need to fund equipment or treatments.

Another is that it puts too much emphasis on the pity and inspiration aspects of disability.

Some say that children can't actively consent to their personal or medical lives being put on TV, and that children shouldn't have to 'perform' or have their personal stories turned into entertainment to raise money. 

But on the other hand, it raises vital cash for young people who wouldn't otherwise be able to afford the schemes, treatment or equipment that they need. It could be said that Children in Need helps to fill the gaps where the government is currently unable (or unwilling) to help.

What do you think? Is it just a bit of fun to raise money for good causes, or do you agree with some of the arguments above?

66Mustang

I think it's sad that most charities, Scope included, need to exist at all

 Whether it's because they raise money that the government should be providing, or whether they are trying to change attitudes that should already have been changed by now, it's a sorry state

But, given the society we have and the realistic situation we find ourselves in, I am glad they do exist

Rosie_Scope

It's not something I've watched much since I've been an adult @woodbine, but I do see a lot of people discussing it on social media each year. It's always interesting to hear what you all think about these things!

Very true @66Mustang, it is sad that charities have to exist, but good that they do in the current climate.

durhamjaide2001

I do think that it's a bit of fun for charity every year I watch it but I don't donate every year because I think a £5 is a lot of money to donate at a time so i like to donate when I'm out and about. I loved seeing the little kid presenting it though. 

CherSaysHello

I feel conflicted about CIN due to the reasons @Rosie_Scope shared. I admire those who undertake challenges to raise money and the families who share their stories with the nation, but equally I feel that disabled people should have their everyday needs met by the state. 

I’d recommend watching Stella Young’s TED talk on inspiration porn for her view as a disabled person on the feelings such programmes and platitudes can evoke. 

JW77

We all shot Pudsey.

I was initially in communication with some of the group and can see how people are riled by CIN.

Personally I don't support CIN, but I do support other charities related to my condition, and ethics/interests.

There were approximately 168,850 registered charities in England and Wales as of 2023. Between 2000 and 2007 the number of charities increased by around 10,000, before the 2008 global recession culled the number of charities by the same number in just two years. Since 2011, the number of charities in England and Wales has recovered to levels seen just prior to the financial crash. The average amount which people give to charity has also increased slightly in recent years. In 2021/22 for example, average amount given to charity in England per month was 27 British pounds, compared with 24 pounds in 2019/20. Women are more likely to give to charity then men are, and the most charitable age group were those over the aged between 65 and 74.  Source Statista.com.

Thats a HECK of a lot of Charities.

Ethics. CIN holds its funds with HSBC, one of the most unethical international banks in the world.

On the other hand we'd be a lot worse off without charities. 

Without a massive governmental and ethical change in society, I think we're gonna have to keep the likes of CIN for the foreseeable.

I personally disrepair at the past 2 decades of government. Stay safe and sane everyone!

Roddy123

I have mixed feelings about any charities, mainly because of the vast salaries handed out to many of their staff, when in truth only a fraction of sums raised actually goes to the wellbeing of the cause. I think it was only yesterday i read that the head of one charity is paid £360,000 a year.