Q. How will the money raised from The Big Night In be split between ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Children in Need and Comic Relief?
A. Funds raised will be split equally between ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Children in Need and Comic Relief.
Q. Who will benefit from The Big Night In?
A. Funds raised on the night will be split equally between ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Children in Need and Comic Relief to provide essential support to a variety of charities and projects in the UK to help those most in need. This funding will not only provide vital emergency support to ensure vulnerable people of all ages are safe, warm and fed, but will also ensure that they are able to continue to learn, and stay connected in order to combat isolation and loneliness.
Q. Will any of the donations go to the NHS?
A. NHS Charities Together will be one of the beneficiaries of The Big Night In. This funding will help provide psychological, mental health support to NHS workers to cope with the aftermath of the COVID-19 response, plus bereavement counselling and support to families of frontline NHS staff who have sadly lost their lives as a result of the pandemic.
Q. Will the money raised solely support UK projects?
A. Yes β funds raised will be used to support a variety of charities and projects supporting vulnerable people in communities throughout the UK.
Q. What exactly will the money be used for?
A. All of the money raised from βThe Big Night In will be split equally between Comic Relief and Children in Need to support a variety of charities and projects in the UK so they can continue to provide vital frontline support to people who need it most.
We have listened to the network of projects and charities ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Children in Need and Comic Relief supports, alongside other UK funders and the sector as a whole, and together we have identified three clear areas where our support is urgently needed:
1. Food and other basic essentials
This fund will provide emergency support to reach people who are in crisis. There is an increasing demand for getting essential items to people so their basic needs are met. For example, getting food and shelter to people, as well as facilities, such as cooking and laundry. This fund will support frontline charities to reach people who are in crisis and have no support.
2. Connecting people with vital services and tackling isolation
Many vital face-to face services that support people most at risk - including children and families, older people, people at risk of domestic violence and abuse and those living in poverty or without stable housing β are facing unprecedented demand for support. Social and physical isolation is also impacting peopleβs mental health and physical wellbeing. This fund will help organisations across UK communities reach people most affected and ensure they feel connected and supported.
3. Supporting local charities and projects to adapt and innovate to address hidden risks
Local charities and projects are often the only witness to hidden dangers that go unnoticed behind closed doors, such as domestic abuse, child abuse or escalating mental health issues. They are a lifeline to many people in crisis, working alongside the NHS and key workers to support the most vulnerable in society. As NHS capacity is inevitably affected by the coronavirus crisis, these charities are playing a key role as part of the frontline response to covid-19 and are needed now more than ever to adapt their services to continue to reach people with vital support.
NHS Charities Together will also be one of the beneficiaries of The Big Night In. This funding will help provide psychological, mental health support to NHS workers to cope with the aftermath of the COVID-19 response, plus bereavement counselling and support to families of frontline NHS staff who have sadly lost their lives as a result of the pandemic.
Q. How can charities and projects access the funds?
A. We are currently working to establish the process for applications and will make an announcement in due course.
Q. How quickly will those affected by the crisis be able to access money raised?
A. Both ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Children in Need and Comic Relief are committed to ensuring that funds raised are distributed as soon as possible to benefit those who most need our help. Emergency funding will be released to local charities and projects delivering food and other basic essentials as quickly as possible once the fundraising total has been confirmed (within weeks of the show taking place). We will also be making funding available over the coming months to address need in the medium to longer term.
Q. The Government announced match funding for The Big Night In β how will that work?
A. The UK Government will match fund pound for pound the generosity of the British people to The Big Night In appeal. This match funding will comprise a minimum donation of Β£20m to the National Emergencies Trust; any funds raised over Β£20m will also be matched pound for pound and will be split equally between ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Children in Need and Comic Relief.