Childhood Day is all about raising funds to keep children safe. In this article, you can find out more about it and what you can do
🎉 Mark your calendars
NSPCC Childhood Day 2025 takes place every year on the first Friday of June. It is the charity’s national day of action, bringing people across the UK together to raise money and awareness to help keep children safe from abuse.
🌟 What is Childhood Day about?
At its heart, Childhood Day is about getting involved in a way that feels right for you. Some people move a mile, others volunteer their time, and many choose to donate. The main event, the Childhood Day Mile, encourages participants to complete a mile in any way they like. You can walk it, swim it, dance it, or even turn it into something playful like a three legged race. It is flexible, inclusive, and designed to be fun, while supporting a very serious cause.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Who can take part?
Everyone is welcome. Parents, teachers, children, students, workplaces, and individuals can all get involved. Schools and nurseries can join in too, with free resources such as lesson plans and activity ideas to help make the day engaging, meaningful, and age appropriate.
đź’š Why it matters
By taking part, you are helping to support the NSPCC’s vital work. This includes services like Childline and the Speak Out Stay Safe programme, which have supported and reached millions of children across the UK.
So whether you take part on your own or with friends, family, or your school community, Childhood Day is a simple way to come together and make a real difference in children’s lives.
About the NSPCC: A Legacy of protecting children
The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) has been a cornerstone in child protection since it was created in 1884. It was founded as the London Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children by Reverend Benjamin Waugh, in 1889 it gained it’s national status, to become the only UK children’s charity with statutory powers to intervene in child protection cases and prevent abuse. They do this by:
- Working in schools with their Speak out Stay Safe programme. This teaches kids exactly what they should do if they ever suffer from abuse.
- National helplines
- Research
- Campaigning for change.
- They also run therapeutic services
The NSPCC Supports and advises families. If you need support or advice you can visit their resources here.
đź“ž The NSPCC Helpline đź“ž
NSPCC Helpline: For adults concerned about a child, available at 0808 800 5000 or via email at help@nspcc.org.uk. The voice helpline operates Monday to Friday, 10am–4pm, but emails can be sent anytime .
Childline: A free, confidential service for children and young people, reachable at 0800 1111 or online at childline.org.uk .
How you can Join the fun on childhood day (Yes, even grown-ups can play)
Look, Childhood Day is basically a national excuse to be silly, get messy, and call it “fundraising.” It’s on first Friday June every year, and it’s all about play. That’s right—actual play. No meetings. No chores. Just letting your inner big kid out, all in the name of keeping children safe. Win-win.
So, what can you do?
🎲 Host a Playathon
Challenge accepted! See how long you (and your kids, if they haven’t already rebelled) can keep the games going. Board games, Lego towers, make-believe pirate battles—whatever floats your Nerf gun. Bonus points if you last longer than your kids.
⚽ Put Together a Parents’ Match
Nothing says “community spirit” like a slightly chaotic, overly competitive game of football with your fellow mums and dads. Pro tip: stretch first, hydrate, and maybe don’t slide tackle Dave from No. 42—he’s got a dodgy knee.
đź“Ł Spread the Word Like Confetti
Let people know what you’re up to! Text your mates, shout about it on WhatsApp, maybe even print off a flyer like it’s 1999. And of course, give it the full social media treatment—because if you don’t post a picture of you in a tutu doing hopscotch for charity, did it even happen?
Use the hashtag #ChildhoodDay and make sure the NSPCC sees your glorious effort. They love that stuff—and so do people who might donate!
Because really, what better way to raise money than by playing your heart out for a great cause? So go on—play loud, play proud, and let the world know you’re doing it for Childhood Day.
Find out more and sign up
If you want more information about the event, you can visit the NSPCC website and sign up to commit to play. You can be part of raising vital funds for this worthwhile charity on Childhood Day.
Have you got a great idea or two on what to do on Childhood Day? Let us all know in the comments below.
You may also find it helpful to read about Children’s Mental Health Week, which takes place every February and is organised by Place2Be. The week focuses on supporting children’s mental health and helping them feel heard and understood.
