BBC Children in Need Emergency Essentials Programme
Together with our parent charity, we deliver the BBC Children in Need Emergency Essentials Programme, offering practical support to children and young people facing crisis across the UK.
Please note: All applications must be made by a registered referrer, and programme funding is limited.
This programme provides essential items that no child should be without, such as a safe bed to sleep in, a cooker to provide a hot meal, to other items and services critical to a child’s wellbeing.
Please note: All applications must be made by a registered referrer, and programme funding is limited.
Current Programme Status
The BBC Children in Need Emergency Essentials Programme is temporarily closed.
Our current funding has been fully allocated, and we are unable to accept any further applications at present. The BBC Children in Need Emergency Essentials Programme will return in June 2026 (re-opening date to be confirmed).
Please check back here for further updates.
If you have any questions about an application you have submitted or about the Emergency Essentials Programme, please contact the Emergency Essentials team: emergencyessentials@familyfundservices.co.uk
Programme Longevity – Our Tiered Strategy
To ensure we can achieve programme longevity and reach underrepresented areas, we use a tiered strategy across regions and nations. Tier allocations may change as the funding year progresses.
We recommend that you read our tiered strategy guidance for referrers, to check for any changes to this tier allocation before registering as a new referrer or making an application.
Referrer Registration
BBC Children in Need Emergency Essentials Programme is a referrer only scheme and applications can only be made by an approved referrer.
If you work for an organisation that supports families, children and young people and are capable of assessing their needs, you can register to become a referrer before you making an application.
Your organisation should also be able to administer and supervise the grant on our behalf.
Family Fund Business Services has to work within specific criteria whilst aiming to provide a flexible grant programme to assist those most in need. Please read our guidelines before making a registration application.
Read our Emergency Essentials Referrer Guidelines
For more information, please call 01904 550011 between 9.30am and 3.00pm, Monday to Friday, or email emergencyessentials@familyfundservices.co.uk
Information for Parents and Carers
To apply for support, a professional referrer must complete the application on your behalf. This could be a support worker, social worker or health professional for example.
Unfortunately, parents and carers cannot apply directly, and we’re unable to make exceptions.
Eligibility
Who we can help
- Children and young people up to and including the age of 17 who are experiencing a crisis or emergency and live in the UK
- We can only accept one application per household within a 12 month period
Who we are unable to support
- Adults aged 18 and over
- Children and young people who do not live in the UK
- Those who are leaving care who have access to separate, specific statutory provision
- Children and young people who do not meet the residence criteria as defined by the programme
Full details can be found in our Emergency Essentials Referrer Guidelines.
How we can help
We can deliver or fund essential items, including:
- Cookers
- Kitchen equipment and small appliances
- Furniture
- Children’s beds and bedding (including cots)
- Washing machines and tumble dryers
- Fridges, freezers and fridge-freezers
- Baby equipment
- Clothing in emergency situations
How to apply
Applications must be completed by a registered referrer from an organisation supporting the family or young person. The organisation must be able to:
- Assess the family’s needs
- Administer the grant
- Supervise spending where required
Contact us
If you have any questions, you can contact us via email (stating your application ID if possible) at emergencyessentials@familyfundservices.co.uk or call us on 01904 550011, between 9.30am and 3.00pm, Monday to Friday.