Cambridge Filmworks celebrate 145 years with the UK’s oldest charity.

On July 9th 2014 Action for Children celebrated 145 years of supporting the UK’s most vulnerable children. Our new film takes a look at how the charity began and how it’s developed over the past 145 years.

Shocked by the plight of homeless children on the streets of London in 1869, young Methodist minister Thomas Bowman Stephenson decided to take action. With the help of two Methodist friends, Alfred Mager and Francis Horner, he converted a disused stable block into The Children’s Home.

Stephenson’s vision was of a family-style system of childcare which would be disciplined but loving – unlike the hated workhouses. Professional from the start, Stephenson’s recognition of the importance of professional training was a significant contribution to the development of childcare in the UK.

Over time, Action for Children’s work has shifted away from children’s homes towards community-based projects like children’s centres and intensive family support services to support vulnerable families and try to prevent potential problems. Previously known as the National Children’s Home and as NCH, they have always been active in promoting the issues that young people and children face to policy and decision makers.

Today, as Action for Children, they continue to support and speak out for children, young people and parents in tough circumstances.

To find out more about Action for Children’s incredible work please visit: http://www.actionforchildren.org.uk/