Put Children First
‘Since launching in September 2024 Alder Hey Children’s Charity played an influential role in shaping national conversations and Government policy on children’s health. Through our continued investment in Put Children First, we have worked to ensure that children and young people are at the centre of decisions affecting their health, wellbeing and future opportunities.
Our advocacy has helped secure greater recognition of children’s health and prevention within the NHS 10 Year Health Plan, alongside contributing to the successful campaign to remove the two-child benefit limit, widely recognised as one of the biggest drivers of child poverty and a policy with significant consequences for children’s health and wellbeing.
We have strengthened relationships with parliamentarians across both Houses, meeting with MPs and peers to highlight the challenges facing children and young people today, while also welcoming MPs and the Leader of Liverpool City Council to Alder Hey to see first-hand the importance of investing in children’s health and wellbeing. In September 2025, we launched our first major policy report, making the case for greater investment in children’s healthcare innovation. The report generated strong interest across Westminster and helped raise the profile of children’s health innovation nationally.
We also launched our Put Children First Youth Panel, bringing together children and young people from across the UK to help shape national conversations about health and wellbeing. Working with creative partners, the panel produced engaging social content, including short films and campaign materials designed to spark discussion with MPs and policymakers.
Alongside our partners in the End Child Poverty Coalition, we continued to campaign for action on child poverty, while raising awareness of the damaging impact poverty has on children’s health. Throughout the year, the coalition highlighted how the two-child benefit limit was pushing 109 children into poverty every day. We were therefore delighted when the Chancellor announced the removal of the policy, citing concerns about the impact of poverty on children’s health, including respiratory illness, as one of the reasons for action. We were proud to attend a reception at Number 11 Downing Street to mark this important step forward for children and families across the UK.
By working alongside children and young people, healthcare professionals, policymakers and campaign partners, Put Children First is helping ensure children’s voices are heard and strengthens Alder Hey Children’s Charity’s role as a leading advocate for child health across the UK.
