BBC Children in Need: musician and TikToker Nathan Evans shows support for charity appeal

The BBC-run charity is currently funding 56 projects in Glasgow that benefit disadvantaged children, to a value of £3.3 million. 

The 2021 appeal, Together, We Can, aims to provide advice, reassurance, and hope for those facing unimaginable challenges, reinforcing the message that "together, we can show children and young people that there are better days ahead."

It comes as a poll revealed a significant number of children feel their lives have become worse over the course of the pandemic and report feeling sad or anxious and worried about the future. 

This year, BBC Children in Need enlisted Airdrie musician and TikTok star, Nathan Evans, to show his support for one of the projects in his hometown. 

Reeltime Music creates opportunities for disadvantaged young people in the creative industries by offering them the chance to learn new skills, encouraging creativity and increasing their aspirations.

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During the visit, Nathan joined in with the activities, met and chatted with project workers and also young people supported by the scheme. 

One of the young participants, Maisie, opened up to Nathan about how the project has supported her following her ADHD diagnosis and struggles with anxiety. 

She shared how Reeltime Music is now a huge part of her life, describing them as a ‘family’ and explaining that they have helped build her confidence and communication through music.

Nathan said: “It’s been incredible to see all the young people coming together and getting involved with the activities, it’s exactly something I needed when I was younger growing up in North Lanarkshire and wanting to be a musician. It’s amazing to see first-hand where BBC Children in Need funding goes in the community.”

BBC Children in Need currently fund nine projects to a value of £525,112 in North Lanarkshire only.

Nathan Evans

Nathan was joined by other celebrities like Ella Henderson and Professor Green, coming together for the campaign’s launch to share their experiences of mental illness, poverty, disability and bereavement, to show young people facing disadvantage that they’re not alone and things can get better. 

The online survey, carried out by Census on behalf of BBC Children in Need, shed light on the impact of the past 18 months on the lives of children and young people across the UK. 

It also offers insight into how positive children and young people feel about their futures and explores issues relating to poverty, disability and mental health.

The poll, surveying 1008 parents and 1000 children aged 11 to 18, revealed 73 per cent of parents worry about the impact of the pandemic on their children and believe children and young people will be worse off in general as a result of the pandemic. 

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The survey also highlighted that 1 in 3 children often feel anxious (35%), whilst 1 in 3 often feel worried about their future (36%) and 1 in 5 (22%) often feel sad. 

Children and young people from poorer backgrounds reported feeling much less positive about their futures (38% against 73% of children and young people from more affluent households), and were also less confident that they would secure their dream job in the future (33% against 66%). 

The survey also highlighted the difficulty for parents in getting help for their children’s struggles, with 2 in 3 believing it is too difficult to get mental health support, and over half reporting issues obtaining help for disabled children. 

BBC Children in Need’s Chief Executive, Simon Antrobus said: “Our research clearly shows that the lasting effects of the pandemic are continuing to impact the lives of children and young people across the UK. 

Nathan and Maisie

“As a charity, we want to ensure no child feels alone and that every child is supported to thrive and be the best they can be. We hope our supporters unite once again to show children and young people that there is hope, and that despite the challenges they may be facing, we will be right behind them.  Together, we really can change young lives and bring hope for the future.”

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Funds will go to the 2,500 local charities and projects supported by BBC Children in Need across the UK, helping children and young people facing disadvantages. 

BBC Children in Need’s official 2021 fundraising pack is available to download now from bbcchildreninneed.co.uk and offers ideas to inspire Together, We Can fundraising ahead of the charity’s 2021 Appeal show on Friday 19 November.