Christmas appeal

It's only three weeks until Christmas. For many of us, our thoughts are turning towards spending time with family and friends at home. But worldwide, 14 million girls - equivalent to the population of greater London - could face a new year without the comforts of home, after being displaced by humanitarian disasters.Children’s author Giles Paley-Phillips has written a fictional children’s story, based on the experiences of girls who ActionAid works with, to show how child sponsorship can make a difference to girls in countries affected by conflict. Watch 'The Story of Hope', narrated by BAFTA award winning actor Anna Maxwell-Martin, and illustrated by Hannah Asen. Read more

Although Gaza's last war ended in 2014, millions of people are living under a blockade and tensions between communities in the occupied Palestinian territory still run high. Young children are especially at risk - living in fear, in the shadow of ever-present violence. Here nine-year-old Suzjoud describes being attacked on her way to collect water near her home, and how ActionAid's first aid training became a lifeline for her family. Read more

Exposed to dead bodies, witness to acts of violence - or even attacked themselves - children living in conflict often develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). In the occupied Palestinian territory, ActionAid is providing psychosocial support to help children and their families recover from the damaging effects of trauma.  Read more

Finding the right Christmas present can be stressful at this time of year - we’ve all got that one person who’s impossible to buy for, whether it’s a picky aunt, a friend who’s already got everything, or a dad who simply won’t give you any hints. But this Giving Tuesday you can take the fuss out of Christmas shopping, and find the perfect gift with our GIFS in Action idea generator! Answer these questions about the lucky recipient and choose from our selection of life-changing Gifts in Action that are sure to raise a smile this Christmas.  Read more

Actress and ActionAid UK Ambassador Jodie Whittaker has been sponsoring children in Afghanistan since 2013. Here she talks about what it means to her and why she is supporting our ‘No Girl Afraid’ appeal this Christmas. Read more

Three wars have been fought in Gaza since 2008, leaving thousands dead and many more battling with the emotional trauma of witnessing violence and destruction. Recently, I met fourteen-year-old Asma'a and her sister Assenat, who live in the Gaza strip. Along with their mother Rewa'a, and grandmother Sabah, they told me about life for girls growing up in conflict.  Read more