The Leap

We all want to do our best for the people we love. But sometimes life can feel heavy. Your support lifts that weight for struggling parents.

Playtime with papas

“I’m working all week and I wanted to spend time with Harry. It’s something we could do just the two of us. And now George is ready to play, he comes along too.”

One-year-old George and Harry, three, have the best time together with their dad, Thomas, at a Dad’s Club in an outdoor play space in Cardiff. The club has been brought to life through a Save the Children innovation grant.

George, one, with his dad Thomas, at Dads' Club in Cardiff. Picture is taken from behind -George has blonde hair, is wearing a blue long-sleeved t-shirt and looking up at his dad to his right. Thomas is looking down at George, wearing a navy blue fleece.

George, one, with dad, Thomas. Anna Sass / Save the Children

“What keeps me coming? Just spending time with these two.

My fiancé doesn’t get a lot of time in the week so it’s nice Saturday morning she can just chill, have a lie-in. It’s nice to come with just dads today.”

Designed together with the local community, it's a place for messy play, story time and sandwiches. And for many dads, it’s a chance to connect with their kids and other parents, without the overwhelming costs that come with children’s activities.

Where George and Harry live, many families live in poverty and struggle to make ends meet. But there is a strong sense of community. With your support, Save the Children helps communities build spaces like these where children can play, learn and just be kids. And parents can have a chat with a friendly face who gets it. 

Meet Fadian, two, and his dad, Jordan, who also go to Dad's Club:

Arlo, 14 months & dad Gareth play together at Dads' Club in Cardiff. Arlo is wearing a navy & striped rain jacket, holding a spade with sand on it. Dad Gareth is wearing a blue puffer jacket and grey hoodie, and is smiling down at him.

Arlo, 14 months, and dad Gareth. Anna Sass / Save the Children.

“He obviously absolutely loves it. It’s a perfect opportunity to try different things and speak to different parents who are actually in the same boat." - Arlo's dad, Gareth.

Fadian, two & his dad Jordan at Dads' Club, Cardiff. Fadian is lying on top of his dad - he is wearing yellow goggles on his head and is in an all-black outfit. Jordan is lying on the floor laughing - he is wearing glasses, a black t-shirt and a smart watch.

Fadian, two, and dad Jordan. Anna Sass / Save the Children

“I love it. Love spending time with him, just us sometimes. And it's nice to see the other dads doing the same sort of thing and talking to them.” – Fadian's dad, Jordan.

Hallie, two, and dad Anson.

"It's just nice to spend time with my daughter...it's nice you see some of the dads as well...it's that social thing." - Hallie's dad, Anson.

Ivy, three plays & poses for photos at Dads' Club in Cardiff. She is wearing a yellow raincoat with rainbows and clouds on it, and holding a spade in her hand.

Ivy, three, plays at the Dad's Club.

"Ivy loves all of it, the interaction, the playing with other children...being outside. It’s definitely nice to enjoy the space that we were part of helping build. " – Ivy’s dad, Stephen.

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Dress for success

Three-year-old Porsha loves her dress. Her mum, Linly, was supported by Save the Children to turn her passion for hairdressing into a successful business, helping her provide the food, clothes and home Porsha needs to thrive.

Today, Linly is a local champion for a Save the Children programme that brings parents together to share knowledge about nutrition, positive parenting, and encouraging dads to play a more active role in their children’s lives.

Porsha, three, wearing the white dress her mother, Linly, bought for her with the cash grant she received through the Maziko programme, outside her home in Balaka district, Malawi.

Porsha, three, wearing the dress her mum bought for her. Sam Vox / Save the Children

Linly with her daughter Porsha, three, outside their home in Balaka district Malawi. They are hugging in front of a wall with black lines and red flowers.

Linly with her daughter Porsha, three, outside their home in Balaka district Malawi. Sam Vox / Save the Children

Visit the salon

A dad's wish

Three-year-old Aisha and her dad, Sanu, have a special bond. “I will not forget the day she was born. I held her in my arms. I prayed that God would grant her good health.” When Aisha became unwell, Sanu was so worried he couldn’t sleep. He took her to the hospital but she was so poorly she fainted on the way. Because of you, hospital staff were trained to spot that Aisha had pneumonia and had supplies to treat her. And Sanu could take his baby girl home.

Sanu, 40, plays with his daughter Aisha, three, who has recently recovered from pneumonia, and her sister Ziyada, two, outside their home in Jigawa State, Nigeria. Sanu is wearing a black t-shirt and trousers with stripes down the side. Aisha is wearing a brown head covering, orange top and yellow outfit. Ziyada is wearing a purple and black head covering.

Yagazie Emezi / Save the Children

Aisha, three, with her dad Sanu and her sister Ziyada, two, outside their home.

Yagazie Emezi / Save the Children.

Sanu plays with daughters Aisha and Ziyada outside their home.

A portrait of Ali, seven, with his younger sister Aisha, three, near their home in Jigawa State, Nigeria. Ali is wearing a yellow shirt and has his arms around Aisha, who is wearing a brown head covering, orange top and yellow skirt.

Yagazie Emezi / Save the Children

Aisha with her big brother Ali, seven, near their home in Jigawa State, Nigeria.

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Keep scrolling to see the Photo of the Month.

Photo of the Month

Aden, 3, is thrown in the air by dad Sabri, at a Family Fun Day hosted by the Sheffield Early Learning Community. Aden is wearing a blue top and shorts.

Hanna Adcock / Save the Children

Aden, 3, laughs as he’s thrown in the air by his dad Sabri, at a Family Fun Day in Sheffield, supported by Save the Children. At the event, families could get information and support from health experts and community workers. There were also free hygiene packs and play packs for children.

Not In The News

At Save the Children we’ve been celebrating A Million Acts of Hope with groups across the UK, proving that kindness is well and truly alive in our country. As Moazzam Malik, our CEO, says in his recent blog article, “Every day, millions of people across the UK show up for each other – not for recognition, but because it’s the right thing to do.” We’re sharing just a glimpse of those moments in the video below.