Poor Kids - to be shown on BBC THREE at 9pm on Wed July 27th
We've been contacted by many people wanting to help the families in the film. For further information see the Poor Kids page on this website. Many boxes of clothing, toys, games and other essentials have been sent to our office, and are being passed on the families. They are enormously grateful for the generosity of viewers, and have said that they hope that other families in need will also get similar help. If you want further information, email lisa@truevisionfoundation.org who can give you details.
There are many specialised charities in the UK working to tackle the issues causes by Child poverty and who can offer help and support to families in similar circumstances to those shown in the film. Details of a range of organisations can be found at the bottom of this page and also on the BBC Poor Kids website. Also, Save the Children has set up a specific fund here for families in similar situations.
We have worked with Save the Children to assess any offers of help to ensure that they are
appropriate
in the best interests of the families and children
to ensure the families are helped but not overwhelmed
Comments (Archive)
Rachel Griffiths
8th Jun 2011
Hi I hardly ever get round to watching TV at the moment, but last night was a rare opportunity on the sofa and I happened upon Poor Kids. My family and I are about to relocate to Chennai, India to work for an NGO who are committed to freeing people from slavery and bonded labour. I thought as I watched Poor Kids, "Why are we going to India??? It's on our doorstep." But India is where we are going for a couple of years, and your documentary has given me a focus for what I need to become involved in when we return. It was a beautiful, compelling, heart-splitting documentary. Perfectly judged, with the proper amount of space given to the children to share their extraordinarily wise, too-knowing views. Thank you. Rachel
Lucy Ashby-Otun
8th Jun 2011
The children in the documentary were absolutely incredible. My family and myself are desperate to help them and others in their situation. I was only able to have one child, she is now 8. I have tons of beautiful little clothes that we would love to pass on to those 3 little girls rather than to people in my own community who have plenty of money already. We will definitely be making a donation. Thank you for your amazing documentary. Hopefully, you will be inundated with offers to help these lovely people. Lucy Ashby-Otun
Karen McGregor
8th Jun 2011
I have just posted a cheque for Sam, tell him if he can to put it towards a new school uniform. Im sorry I cant give any more Sam but I hope this helps a little.
Karen Mcgregor
8th Jun 2011
I have just sent a donation to "Sam" from Poor Kids. Ask him if possible to put the money towards a new school uniform. Im sorry he has had to wear his sisters blouse for school I hopes this helps him a little bit. My heart goes out to all the children from the programme I wish I could send more to help all of them.x
David
8th Jun 2011
Can't we annonymously arrange standing order to start helping/supporting these kids? I dont want a charity involved they take too much margin and its like sprinkling seeds over stoney ground it may flower but the benefit is littleand weak. It requires direct action by normal people
Anne
8th Jun 2011
What an extraordinarily honest and moving film. Congratulations to all who were involved.
Mary-Louise Wilson
8th Jun 2011
Congrats BBC 1 AND Saint Jezza Neumann on 'Poor Kids' We must do better for Kayleigh, Sam, Caleb, Courtney and Paige and the 3.5 million Kids in the UK just like them. These children should know there are many out there who they can turn to at anytime. Whilst there are many wonderful charities doing excellent work - for the psychological well being of these children they should know their lives personally touch other lives and to personally share the terribly lonely moments expressed by Sam and certainly experienced by each of the children we must find good people to fill the roll that Christianity once prided itself on - a 'CONTACT' for those experiencing the disadvantages of poverty. Raising money for charity is a wonderful thing and brings help where it is needed, but last night's programme brought home the loneliness of poverty - surely, if we can get a man to the moon - We Can Fix This.
Sophie
8th Jun 2011
I grew up in poverty and now in my twenties would like to express two things. Firstly, to all children in poverty who saw the documentary and that were in it- please believe that if you try as hard as you possibly can to do well at school, given your circumstances- things really might improve- they have for me. Secondly, to all people working for charities- please do more to promote the work you do to the children and youngsters that need the help, so that they can come forward and ask for it- I am intelligent and well educated but was never aware that there were funds available that could help me specifically and as such have never benifited from them-my mum and younger sister still live in poverty and I still wouldn't know how you qualified for help. To everyone who looks on this website wishing to donate- thank you. Please remember the millions of children who, not on the film, are in similar situations.
Helen Sampson
8th Jun 2011
You have a powerful platform to work from (TV) and great skill to make such a profound documentry. You really managed to catch the children in their truest form without it being staged ( a rare thing in telly these days!) Nobody should judge the parents without walking a mile in their shoes. They should be commended for getting on with life the best they can. Sam's Dad had the insight not to go down the loanshark route and worsen their situation, he deserves recognition for what he does not people's 'know all' remarks. My heart ached for all those children, such character and spirit despite apalling living conditions. This documentry will stay with me for a very long time. I'm so glad there are people like you in this world who have the passion and the skill to educate and inform people that this is life in the UK in 2011.
Pia
9th Jun 2011
I, too, would be interested in setting up a standing order to help out Sam and his family. I haven't got much to spare myself but I would love to help them. Sam reminded me so much of my own 11 year old son and it broke my heart to hear how he is bullied. I am still upset now and am crying whilst typing. I am going to sit with my children at the weekend and watch it on the iplayer so that they can see that, whilst we do not have what their friends have, we have a lot more than some people. Such a brilliant documentary - thank you.
kelly
9th Jun 2011
Sat down and watched this heartbreakingly moving documentary last night with my husband, and it moved us both to tears. The children involved were absolutely amazing little people and I have not stopped thinking about them, and everything they have to deal with in their lifes. I only wish I were a secret millionaire that could sweep in and make it all okay. Sadly I am not, but will donate all I possibly can to help these children and their families. I would love it if we could arrange some sort of sponsorship, so that I could send money each month? Is this something that is do-able? I want Courtney to WANT to grow up. I want Sam to have a new school uniform, I want them to have toys to play with and know what fun is. I want there to be a bucket and spade in the sandpit, and warm food in their tummies.. A fantastic piece of film making, and one that i will, quite honestly, never forget.
Amanda Bail
9th Jun 2011
Congratulations to you and our team for this fantastic film. Why oh why did the BBC see fit to air it so late? Why are the papers not reporting this more? Please put pressure on the BBC to ensure it is aired again as more people have got to see this film. My heart broke for all of the children. I went upstairs after the programme to tuck my little girl in. Seeing her sleeping in her clean warm bed, surrounded by all her toys, without a care in the world, just as childhood should be, I sat on the end of her little bed and sobbed. I was particularly moved by the story of Sam and his sister. Days on I still can't stop thinking about them. I will be making a donation to try and help (Sam will probably have hundreds of school uniforms offered to him by now!) and hope that you are inundated with support for all of the families involved. Thank you for this absolutely excellent piece of work.
melanie thomas
9th Jun 2011
My family was a single parent one during my childhood and I relate to the story - I am now married with children and do everything/anything to make sure my children do not have my sad childhood. I have sent a new school uniform to Sam, what an eloquant child, so caring yet aware. Someone out there, if you see this post and work for the benefits agency - do somethng. This family needs help with their benefit entitlement. Courtney's mum should understand that being poor does not mean being dirty, she needs help with her self esteem.
Fran
9th Jun 2011
Everyone has already said everythng that I think and feel about this documentary. I was deeply saddened by what I heard and saw and want to help. Unfortunately, I am not in a position where I would be able to donate a sum of money but i'm looking at other methods. I have set up a facebook page (poor kids): http://www.facebook.com/?sk=inbox#!/pages/Poor-Kids/153080401426933 where I have opened up discussion and invited friends and family and others to join and discuss what we can do to help. I have suggested something similar to freecycle where people can donate items no longer needed such as school uniform items, clothes their children have grown out of, even board games, comics etc and I will be looking to find details on the poorest areas of the country and distribute these accordingly. I'm hoping to make a difference, even just a small difference to these children's lives. This needs to be fixed!
cathy
9th Jun 2011
very touched by this documentary. the choice to focus on the children's world was a good one and i was both suprised and upset by how worldy they are about their situation. they spoke with such intelligence and it just makes you feel so outraged they have to live like that. extremely well filmed and edited, too. great job.
Dave Smith
9th Jun 2011
I found myself watching this program relating to the children on there as i grew up in the same manner poor family but seeing my parents go without food clothing warmth and so on. i really want to help out sams family i wanted to know if there is anyway of getting contact details for them or even the last name and ill do the hard work myself. im not well off but i would sooner help people out like this than waste money on things ill never need
nicola
9th Jun 2011
hi i have watched the documentary the other day and ever since i could not stop thinking about them finally yipee i have found the site were i can donate so sam you will be getting some uniform threw the post very shortly also i will be posting money to keep up with the hair cuts as kids can be very cruel these days so you are going to look great sam. then you can keep smiling you are a lovely lad and a credit to your dad take care xxx
Eizabeth England
10th Jun 2011
HAPPY TO HELP IN ANYWAY
Jade
10th Jun 2011
extremely moving documentary!!! had me in tears. Would love to meet these children and give the a little gift personally its not much but im sure it will help somehow xxx
Adele Woodward
10th Jun 2011
I don't know what to say about the programme other than I was deeply moved by it, the children are an inspiration, they have nothing and are appreciative of what they receive. I have joined the Facebook page "Poor Kids" who are trying to reach the individuals with appropriate and much needed help, unfortunately there is a lot of red tape, but I would love to turn up on their doorstep with a box full of clothes, food and toys for those girls in Bradford and their mum. What can we do to help them properly and consistently in their early years? What happens now will affect their whole future, particularly the health and well-being of those children. I commend the makers of the documentary and request their help in trying to achieve this.
Carrie
10th Jun 2011
I recorded this program and watched it tonight, total reality check for me as we are all guilty of moaning about life and wanting more but you just don't realise how bad some people have got it. I will definitely be sending clothes for Sam and stuff for the little girls. It makes me mad at how extreme our social scale is. I really wish I could send those little girls to Disney Land or buy Sams sister a lap top for her studies, believe me if I was rich I would, if we all do our bit surely we can make those little ones lives a bit better. Lovely kids my heart goes out to them x
Rob Mayer
11th Jun 2011
In the past we had slavery, imperialism, racism, nazism, stalinism and maoism. Our own time will be condemned by posterity for its miserable meanness, where the super-rich get ever richer but the poor can only get poorer. Obnoxious selfishness is sanctified as ethical, social and economic best practice. I was brought up under apartheid south africa, but the current western system has little if any real moral superiority. The upcoming years will probably be the meanest ever, until a new breed of politics emerges in which national politicians feel strong enough to actually assert public interest in the face of overweening global big finance. Sam and his sister are clearly stars, but so is their Dad, and all the kids are great. I love them all.
Rachel
11th Jun 2011
Deeply deeply upset after seeing this program but glad the BBC have highlighted this. I never thought things were this bad. My kids are so lucky and we all want to help these kids have a better life and give them something to look forward to. Shall be making a gift donation myself.
Trevor Hearing
13th Jun 2011
Inspirational film-making: I hope the BBC will be persuaded to do more like this.
deborah berry
13th Jun 2011
Very upset watching poor kids,my heart was put through the wringer watching sams family, sam your a great boy,i will be donating,money,clothes,toys etc. when i can,my own son is the same age, i made my son watch this documentary for him to realise that he is so lucky, wish the goverment would help more instead of sweeping poverty under the carpet like it does not exist, they tend to think of only third world countries,the goverment makes me want to vomit. Iam still very upset and sobbing from show,it has changed me as a person,i am so grateful for everything in my life even though i am not rich or middle class,people want to watch this show and really reflect on their own life,things might not seem so bad.Love and Gods blessings to sams family,and all the other struggling families. xxx
sarah
13th Jun 2011
Powerful, moving documentary. It's time this government put a STOP to child poverty in our country. No child should have to endure a life of poverty in the 21st century. Will be sending my donations to each of the families featured. Sam and his sister are a credit to his father!!
Debbie Neve
14th Jun 2011
Poor kids was the most moving yet disturbing programme I have seen in a long while. I wasn't aware that children could be in that position in our country and am ashamed it can be allowed to happen. I think its fantastic that this page and others have been set up to help the kids in the programme but more than that I hope it inspires people to be more aware of whats happening in their local communities out there and to help where possible. It has inspired me to contact my local Save the Children group to offer what help I can, and yes, direct help can be better as more of the proceeds can go towards the individuals, but any help is better than none and raising awareness of these issues is surely the first step. It would be great to have the programme repeated at an earlier time so that children of a similar age to those filmed can watch it; more publicity before the repeat, and then a follow up programme would be even better.
Jan Allen
16th Jun 2011
Trully heartbreaking. Love to all the families involved and a huge thankyou to the programme makers for opening my eyes for the first time to the suffering of children in the UK today. I dont what I can do to help, but I WILL finally get off my backside and do something. x
Paul Leng
16th Jun 2011
I have been in touch with True Vision TV with a view to making a direct donation. However, rules, regulations and red tape prevent the commonsense approach as I like many others don't wish to donate to charity concerning this. I will be writing a letter to Sam, Kayleigh and family c/o True vision in asking for Sam’s full clothes size and shoes. My family and I will then purchase the new clothing and forward to them either directly or indirectly. We will also enclose a gift voucher for Sam's sister Kayleigh. Good bless you all. Paul Leng & Family xx
Phil
16th Jun 2011
Jezza Neumann and the team should receive an award for this documentary. I was both moved and depressed by what I saw. Unlike the normal documentaries on the scourge of the country that don't deserve the oxygen they breathe, this was a true insight of the people’s lives that do deserve help. Like many responses on the BBC blog, we as a nation should be taking care of own deserving citizens before spending millions of pounds on foreign aid. I also like the idea of being able to sponsor families in this country rather than continually throwing huge amounts of money at other parts of the world. The coalition needs to focus on their "Big Society" statement. I was so moved by this, I made my own children watch a replay.....perhaps the whole of the Government should be made to watch it as well. Like Phil Collins so eloquently sang...it's just another day in paradise. Compared to these people, it definitely is for me. It certainly made me take a step back and evaluate what's important.
fliss rann
17th Jun 2011
It's been a long time since I've watched a documentary that's made me feel so heart broken and so inspired to make a difference as Poor Kids has. I've often felt there's not much I can physically do at this stage in my life to help people in these situations, but clearly the little we can give does make a difference. There's so much pain in the world and so much room for people to do good. Thanks so much for making this documentary, it's cleared up any doubt in my mind as to what my career will be. Thoughts and prayers to those kids and their families featured in the documentary x
fliss rann
17th Jun 2011
It's been a long time since I've watched a documentary that's made me feel so heart broken and so inspired to make a difference as Poor Kids has. I've often felt there's not much I can physically do at this stage in my life to help people in these situations, but clearly the little we can give does make a difference. There's so much pain in the world and so much room for people to do good. Thanks so much for making this documentary, it's cleared up any doubt in my mind as to what my career will be. Thoughts and prayers to those kids and their families featured in the documentary x
Nancy
21st Jun 2011
I listened on BBC World Service from Nairobi and cried! I now have to watch the documentary! A donation is on its way via PayPal for Sam and his family. I hope you get lots and lots of donations that these children know humanity knows no boundaries. They have touched so many by their courage and dignity that is rich by any account! All the best and congratulations for the documentary, I hope it gets the accolades it deserves!
Nik Marshall
22nd Jun 2011
Having watched the programme I realised that we have not progressed very far as a society, where we value individuals on how much they have in the bank, or how much they earn, over how hard they are trying to raise children in circumstances and surroundings that would make most of us crumble and give up. But despite this huge level of stress and poverty, I thought the children were articulate and incredible, but no child should ever feel they are worth less than any other just because their parents are 'better off' financially. Shame on the Local Authorities that allow families to live in damp properties, if someone was asked to work in that type of environment the employer would be fined or closed down by H&SE;. I totally agree with Phil above, we should be targetting charity for our own, put our house in order before we pour money into other parts of the world.
how to make money fast
26th Jun 2011
I wanted to thanks for this nice learn!! I definitely having fun with each little little bit of it I have you bookmarked to take a look at new stuff you submit
lynne morris
1st Jul 2011
I am interested in donating dolls with new clothes that i have made to any child in uk who would be in need of toys i have made many of them can you give me details of contacts who would welcome them? yours lynne morris
Shaun
27th Jul 2011
I will be sending my donation in soon and hope to support children in need like this for many more years to come. I hear about it, i see posters but nothing his home like this documentary did. Its time i started to start supporting our future children. It makes me realise how much of a lucky life i and many other lead. I will continue to donate on a monthly bases and offer my hands on support where i can.
kevin
27th Jul 2011
how do i contact the program to donate some thing for the family
loal
27th Jul 2011
i really felt sad when i watched it not that many kids have everything but they do wish they did there family's ain't a perfect family and aint got every thing.
loal
27th Jul 2011
i really felt sad when i watched it not that many kids have everything but they do wish they did there family's ain't a perfect family and aint got every thing.
terry mallard
27th Jul 2011
Just watched this-words cannot say just how touched and sad we feel. We want to make a donation for the children in the programme
Ans
27th Jul 2011
Ok my thoughts on the situation about the documentary. I'm guessing social service is first they should give priority to families like that and work with the local bourough to help them with thier living condion .maybe it's time they should have forms to ask for help professionally. Council should re decorate house an flats for free every three years. They are main landlord so check on your tenants living condion!school trips an uniform should be free..,,bank charges shouldnt be charged to low income families. Poor meaning Low Income! This is a money sucking country at the moment so think before havin kids. If only this country would print more money. . It's only paper?
Suzi Bhatti
27th Jul 2011
Having just watched,I am so heart sick that children are living with these experiences in 2011,in the UK...!! The children were incredible,and knowing way above their years. I am very keen to help the children in the programme,and children in general living with poverty. It would be good to know how they are doing further on in time.
Pagan
28th Jul 2011
I just watch poor kids and I can't believe what I saw? I am involved in a group called oxfordshire yos forum and we are planing to do a fundraiser to help us go to africa?. But after seeing this I'm going to see if we can do a fundraiser for the kids on the show to do some think like a trip to a theme park or a holiday by the sea would love u to email me some more details about the kids Many thanks Pagan :)
Lorraine Silk
28th Jul 2011
I watched this with horror last night and went to bed feeling sad and absolutely ashamed that a country as wealthy as ours allows its children to live in this way. For Sam to be so thrilled at getting a hair cut, made me want to pay for his hair cuts for life! How can we allow children to sleep in such damp rooms - I'm not surprised the children are ill and we are not helping them. We should stop interfering with every other country and get our priorities right at home. Shame on all politicians backing poliicies to take more money away from families like the ones featured. Is there some sort of befriending/sponsorship project organised by charities in the UK so that we could 'adopt' a child like those featured and help with treats, school uniform etc? Also, could the billions seized from criminals not be used to make a positive difference to families like this? It's time to think outside the box!!!!
becki and donna
28th Jul 2011
me and my mum watched this programme last night and i couldnt stop crying, i cant believe how these famillies lived! the poor little girls house with all that mould was awful! what upset us most though is how much the children understood, and knew how poor they were! there only children but couldnt be children instead they were worrying where there next meal was going to come from! i seriously want to buy sam a new uniform and give all of them some presents! AND a hug! their parents should be so pround of them! how can i donate something?
Kellie
28th Jul 2011
Truely touching programme!!! ... I too would like to set up an Standing order direct to the families, I have not got much but every little helps, I have loads of toys, clothes and can send food, is this at all possible???!!!
Julie Barton
28th Jul 2011
I didn't manage to see all of the programme last night but what I did see left me upset & angry. This is 2011, why are our children being brought up in these conditions? The little boy wearing his sisters school uniform made me particularly upset. My kids have both left school now so no more uniforms to buy. I would like this little boys measurements so that I can buy him a new uniform for September. How can I go about this?? Julie
Kellie
28th Jul 2011
I have just read that someone has made a donation through Paypal, please tell me how .... I know there is red tape but you like to send all the children in the programme clothes, toys, food and some money, I dont have alot myself but am deffiantly will be helping them!!!
denise
28th Jul 2011
this is one of the best programs ive watched for a long time all i thought about all day is is the little girl that wanted sparkles on her tops is there any way i could send some money to them or buy her a sparkle top also send the young boy in leicester new school shirts thanking you denise leicester
Claire Taylor
28th Jul 2011
I have read all of the above comments and could not agree more! Could someone please direct me to the site where I can donate to Sam and his sister. Many, many thanks, Claire
Samantha
28th Jul 2011
'Poor Kids' broke my heart. To think there are soo many children living in these conditions in 2011 is appalling. This government is an absolute joke! The government have poured soo much money into the olympics but haven't helped the 3.5m children living in poverty in the UK! The government have also just helped Greece with their bailout .. The government need to remember Charity begins at home! I want these children and all the children in there circumstances to have a childhood and enjoy their years, instead of worrying whether they are going to eat or not. The young girl in Bradford (can't remember her name) bless her, she has a little opinion of herself and feels she will always be poor. I just want to cuddle her and make everything right for her but I am only a 20year old student with not much to my name but I want to give her toys, gifts, clothes or take her to the seaside for the day .. Is there anyway I am able to do so?
Sue Allen
28th Jul 2011
I was truly appalled at the content in this programme and have such respect for these children. I was brought to tears, especially over Courtney's excema and the fact she didn't want to grow up. These children, and many more deserve a childhood and all that goes with it. How can I send a donation.
Judy
29th Jul 2011
I have recorded this programme and watched it many times. My 3 children are so lucky,I think I will be making my 9 year old watch so of this programme so show her she how lucky she is. I would be grateful if somebody would get in touch and let me know how I can help in anyway with these's families? Can anybody out there let me know? Many thanks
Nadine de Beer
29th Jul 2011
Reading the comments from everyone it warms my heart and restores my faith in humanity, i was just as moved by the stories of these kids. I can not stop thinking about them, I would definiately be willing to help any children or families in similar situations. i dont have much myself but I definitely have enough to help. I am happy to see that Sam has some new uniform! :) I think that the goverment and Mr Cameron should be made to watch this documentary.
Cathy
29th Jul 2011
I was so moved by this documentary I can't stop thinking about Sam and his sister and the other little girls. I too can't believe the extent of the poverty these families are living in, it is shocking this is happening in our country in 2011. We are so quick to donate to poverty worldwide but its time to look closer to home and do something now! I will be looking into how to donate or help in some way, though I am not rich I can't sit by and watch this happening. The Government should be made aware of this documentary and get off its backside and change the benefits system so it is fair and helps those who really need it, the poor! Instead of paying out thousands of pounds a year to people who don't deserve it or even need it.
