CHRISTMAS is a wonderful and magical time of year for children across the UK. But sadly, it can also be a difficult time for those families struggling to make ends meet and those who are facing unimaginable hardships.

Barnardo’s works with some of the UK’s most disadvantaged children and families and sees firsthand the difficulties they face, such as homelessness, poverty and abuse. We work with more than 200,000 children, young people and their families each year and run more than 900 services across the UK.

We need help from people across the North-East to make a difference to the lives of these vulnerable children. With your support we can be there when we are needed most and turn young lives around.

If readers can spare some time this Christmas to fundraise for Barnardo’s, we are offering a whole host of support to make your fundraising a success. Download a pack at barnardos.org.uk/getinvolved/fundraise/runyourownevent By taking part you will help to raise awareness of those young people who may not have anyone to turn to this Christmas and help provide funds to ensure Barnardo’s can be there for them instead.

Please help us to transform the lives of the UK’s most vulnerable children. We can’t do it without you.

Steve Oversby, Barnardo’s Director in the North-East.