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markrusselluk.bsky.social
Mark Russell (he/him)
@markrusselluk.bsky.social
1.2K followers 1K following 240 posts
From N.Ireland, work in London, live in Hampshire. I’m passionate about social justice, hope, and building a society for all children. Chief Executive of @childrenssociety.bsky.social , School Governor, FRSA. Views mine 🏳️‍🌈
Posts Replies Media Videos
markrusselluk.bsky.social
On this special evening I’m so so grateful for our friends for their amazing support for our work @childrenssociety.bsky.social

Dr Alex George turned up at our office with Pudsey Bear and £1m which has helped us reach over 6000 children to support them with their mental health and wellbeing.
Mark, Pudsey, Dr Alex and a big cheque
November 14, 2025 at 7:54 PM
Reposted by Mark Russell (he/him)
nerys-a.bsky.social
Great thread from @childrenssociety.bsky.social Policy Team on the recent Curriculum & Assessment Review ⬇️⬇️⬇️
tcspolicypractice.bsky.social The Children's Society Policy and Youth Practice @tcspolicypractice.bsky.social · 1d
In light of the recent Curriculum & Assessment Review publication, we welcome the step forward's in recognising the broader needs of children & young people.

We welcome the focus on life skills, digital literacy & PSHE. Key area's championed in our #GoodChildhoodReport ,to help young people thrive.
November 13, 2025 at 10:21 PM
markrusselluk.bsky.social
I’m proud to sign this letter on behalf of @childrenssociety.bsky.social

Scrapping the two child limit is the quickest way for government to lift half a million children out of poverty

Every child deserves the best possible start in life
cpaguk.bsky.social Child Poverty Action Group @cpaguk.bsky.social · 3d
We’ve joined 100+ others in calling for the government to fully scrap the two-child limit. Every child deserves the best start in life. By fully scrapping the two-child limit the government can deliver a decisive shift in children’s opportunities, and in the UK's potential.
As this government recognises, every child deserves the best start in life. But a record 4.5 million children live in poverty. Their life chances are being held back and their potential wasted. They deserve better. At the Budget, the Chancellor has a unique chance to change this. By fully scrapping the two-child limit she can deliver a decisive shift in children’s opportunities, and in our country’s future potential. We have come together as diverse organisations who recognise that turning the tide on child poverty is crucial for children, and also for wider ambitions on housing, education, health and national growth. Reducing child poverty will boost family budgets, and local economies. It will reduce household debt, and cut the huge future costs of poverty faced by our schools, hospitals and other public services. Every day the two-child limit remains, in any form, it pushes children into poverty. Now is not the time for half-measures. Now is the moment for the Prime Minister and Chancellor to hear the voices of the UK’s children and take this vital opportunity to do the right thing. Abolishing the two-child limit in full will set millions of children’s lives on a path to a brighter future, and help to rebuild a stronger, fairer country and economy.
November 12, 2025 at 9:22 PM
Reposted by Mark Russell (he/him)
childrenssociety.bsky.social
Every child deserves the best start in life.

We’ve joined 100+ others in calling for the government to fully scrap the two-child limit to turn the tide on child poverty.
cpaguk.bsky.social Child Poverty Action Group @cpaguk.bsky.social · 3d
We’ve joined 100+ others in calling for the government to fully scrap the two-child limit. Every child deserves the best start in life. By fully scrapping the two-child limit the government can deliver a decisive shift in children’s opportunities, and in the UK's potential.
As this government recognises, every child deserves the best start in life. But a record 4.5 million children live in poverty. Their life chances are being held back and their potential wasted. They deserve better. At the Budget, the Chancellor has a unique chance to change this. By fully scrapping the two-child limit she can deliver a decisive shift in children’s opportunities, and in our country’s future potential. We have come together as diverse organisations who recognise that turning the tide on child poverty is crucial for children, and also for wider ambitions on housing, education, health and national growth. Reducing child poverty will boost family budgets, and local economies. It will reduce household debt, and cut the huge future costs of poverty faced by our schools, hospitals and other public services. Every day the two-child limit remains, in any form, it pushes children into poverty. Now is not the time for half-measures. Now is the moment for the Prime Minister and Chancellor to hear the voices of the UK’s children and take this vital opportunity to do the right thing. Abolishing the two-child limit in full will set millions of children’s lives on a path to a brighter future, and help to rebuild a stronger, fairer country and economy.
November 12, 2025 at 10:55 AM
markrusselluk.bsky.social
It was lovely to welcome Cherry, the Archbishop of Wales to meet @childrenssociety.bsky.social Prevention programme as well as our new BBC Children in Need funded “Space to Grow” supporting children with their mental health in Newport and Wrexham @churchinwales.bsky.social
The TCS Team, Mark and Archbishop Cherry, and Newport Cathedral
November 12, 2025 at 8:53 PM
Reposted by Mark Russell (he/him)
tcspolicypractice.bsky.social
Today, we remember & honour those who served in the armed forces.

Many children growing up in armed force families are young carers. These young carers manage caring responsibilities in the armed forces community, while navigating school & social life.

Learn more about support for young carers:
Supporting young carers within armed forces families | The Children's Society
This page has been funded by the Armed Forces Covenant trust to provide advice and guidance to professionals working with both young carers and armed forces families.
www.childrenssociety.org.uk
November 11, 2025 at 2:20 PM
Reposted by Mark Russell (he/him)
nerys-a.bsky.social
All @childrenssociety.bsky.social hoping these “hints” become a reality and the two-child benefit cap is eradicated

www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/poli...
Keir Starmer hints he could scrap two-child benefit cap in Budget
The prime minister said his government will be ‘taking a number of measures’ to tackle child poverty
www.independent.co.uk
November 11, 2025 at 6:20 PM
Reposted by Mark Russell (he/him)
childrenssociety.bsky.social
“I felt lost. I felt lost in my emotions.” 𖡎

The pressure of being bullied had become almost unbearable for Anthony. Being able to speak about his feelings at The Children’s Society helped him finally find peace.

Read Anthony's story here: www.childrenssociety.org.uk/what-we-do/s...
A boy in school uniform walking past a green fence, taking a photo of himself, smiling.
November 10, 2025 at 10:09 AM
markrusselluk.bsky.social
A real privilege to represent @childrenssociety.bsky.social
at the enthronement today of the 15th Archbishop of Wales.

A historic moment as it’s the first woman to become Archbishop in these islands! Thrilled for Cherry as she begins this new chapter! @churchinwales.bsky.social
Picture of the cathedral, Archbishop Cherry, and the order of service
November 8, 2025 at 8:15 PM
Reposted by Mark Russell (he/him)
martyndrake.bsky.social
For more reasons to be positive, join me a week on Thursday in the excellent company of @lynnanneperry.bsky.social and @markrusselluk.bsky.social to learn how the incredibly impactful children's charities coalition came to be. Register here: binleydrake.com/event/in-goo...
November 5, 2025 at 9:12 AM
Reposted by Mark Russell (he/him)
nerys-a.bsky.social
Love to see this - young creatives from @childrenssociety.bsky.social service in Bedfordshire creating art and glass samples for our Chelsea Flower Show garden 🎨

www.leightonbuzzardonline.co.uk/news/people/...
BBC’s Repair Shop star joins art and glass workshop organised by Leighton Buzzard charity
A member of BBC’s Repair Shop team helped lead a decorative art and glass workshop organised by Leighton Buzzard charity The Children’s Society.
www.leightonbuzzardonline.co.uk
November 3, 2025 at 12:23 PM
Reposted by Mark Russell (he/him)
childrenssociety.bsky.social
Thousands of teenagers are feeling totally overwhelmed by the noise of life – stress, pressure and problems that feel too big to handle 💢

Will you support our vital work and help a child quiet the noise this Christmas? www.childrenssociety.org.uk/how-you-can-...
November 3, 2025 at 10:59 AM
Reposted by Mark Russell (he/him)
childrenssociety.bsky.social
Children’s wellbeing is still in decline, according to the #GoodChildhoodReport 2025

How can we overturn this to create a society for all our children to thrive?

We’ve outlined our 5 key steps 📣
Top 5 policy changes to create better childhoods: Whole-school approaches to wellbeing. A trusted adult guarantee, providing chosen trusted adults. A focus on holistic wellbeing in early support hubs rollout. Ambitious implementation and monitoring of the Child Poverty Strategy. Introduce a national wellbeing measurement programme.
October 30, 2025 at 4:18 PM
Reposted by Mark Russell (he/him)
childrenssociety.bsky.social
All children should have a chance at childhood – not held back by worrying about rising prices.

We’re calling on the Government to implement and monitor an ambitious #ChildPovertyStrategy.

Read more in the full #GoodChildhoodReport: www.childrenssociety.org.uk/good-childhood
“[These things] sound like something that adults should worry about, not necessarily kids.” – Young person. Decorative; White text on a black background with orange emphasis. Illustration of a pound coins in the bottom right corner. 2 in 5 children and young people were ‘very’ or ‘quite’ worried about rising prices. * *The Children’s Society’s annual household survey, completed in April to June 2025 by 2,007 children and young people aged 10 to 17 from across the UK, and their parent or carer. Decorative; White text on a black background with orange emphasis. Illustration of a pound coins in the bottom left corner.
October 27, 2025 at 10:58 AM
markrusselluk.bsky.social
@theobserveruk.bsky.social is there an issue with today’s paper on the Guardian Editions app? Most of my paper hasn’t appeared today
October 26, 2025 at 10:04 AM
markrusselluk.bsky.social
@theguardian.com is there an issue with your Editions app? Most of my Observer hasn’t appeared today
October 26, 2025 at 10:02 AM
Reposted by Mark Russell (he/him)
tcspolicypractice.bsky.social
📢 Children & young people are at the ❤️ of the #GoodChildhoodReport2025. That’s why we create a Youth Summary — so they are apart of the conversation. 🗣️
📖 Read it, share it, and help amplify children and young people's voices🔗
www.childrenssociety.org.uk/sites/defaul...
www.childrenssociety.org.uk
October 24, 2025 at 12:28 PM
Reposted by Mark Russell (he/him)
tcspolicypractice.bsky.social
Amazing to see our #GoodChildhoodReport 2025 being shared in the CYP Now news🎉

Sharing how we're calling for every young person to have access to at least one trusted adult to help tackle record levels of pressure and unhappiness.

Read our report here: www.childrenssociety.org.uk/good-childhood
Calls for ‘trusted adult guarantee’ to support teen wellbeing - CYP Now
Campaigners are calling for every young person to have access to at least one trusted adult to help tackle record levels of pressure and unhappiness reported by 10- to 17-year-olds.
www.cypnow.co.uk
October 24, 2025 at 11:00 AM
Reposted by Mark Russell (he/him)
tcspolicypractice.bsky.social
📢 Hot off the press!

Our Good Childhood Report reveals that 😔 9% of 10–17 year olds who completed our Household Survey reported low wellbeing.

We're fighting for a brighter future for young people. 🌈

✨ Will you join us?
👉 Read the full report! 🔍📖
The Good Childhood Report | The Children's Society
Our Good Childhood Report finds that too many young people are unhappy with their lives. The Government must act now and set a path to a good childhood for all.
www.childrenssociety.org.uk
October 23, 2025 at 10:53 AM
Reposted by Mark Russell (he/him)
tcspolicypractice.bsky.social
Too many children lack a trusted adult—someone who listens, believes in them, and helps them feel safe.

These relationships are vital for wellbeing. We're urging the Government to act.

Add your voice and help ensure every child has someone they can truly count on🔊📝
Every child deserves to have an adult they can trust.
Too many young people are left to face life’s challenges alone, without the support they need. That’s why we’re calling for a Chosen Trusted Adult Promise - a commitment to ensure every young person h...
act.childrenssociety.org.uk
October 23, 2025 at 12:51 PM
Reposted by Mark Russell (he/him)
nerys-a.bsky.social
Very proud today to launch the #GoodChildhoodReport today

Children’s wellbeing remains in decline.

This year we have a richer report with deeper insight directly from young people and those who support them.

Together we want to reclaim hope for their futures
October 23, 2025 at 9:08 AM
Reposted by Mark Russell (he/him)
tcspolicypractice.bsky.social
For this years #GoodChildhoodReport we had the privilege to work with the Young Advisors from @leadersunlocked.bsky.social

"The youth are the future of our country" - is a powerful reminder that when we really listen to the voices of young people & what effects them, we can better support them.
October 23, 2025 at 9:11 AM
Reposted by Mark Russell (he/him)
nerys-a.bsky.social
CYP Now - Calls for ‘trusted adult guarantee’ to support teen wellbeing

www.cypnow.co.uk/content/news...
Calls for ‘trusted adult guarantee’ to support teen wellbeing - CYP Now
Campaigners are calling for every young person to have access to at least one trusted adult to help tackle record levels of pressure and unhappiness reported by 10- to 17-year-olds.
www.cypnow.co.uk
October 23, 2025 at 9:56 AM
markrusselluk.bsky.social
Behind the @childrenssociety.bsky.social’s #GoodChildhoodReport2025 are the real voices of young people.

By understanding what affects young people, we can better support them.

youtu.be/uHFgcUJP8SE
The Good Childhood Report - hear from the young advisors
YouTube video by The Children's Society
youtu.be
October 23, 2025 at 8:49 AM
markrusselluk.bsky.social
The #GoodChildhoodReport 2025 is here and one thing is clear: teenagers are under pressure from all angles.

Children’s wellbeing is still in decline. We cannot allow this to be our normal, it is time for change.

Read the full report on our website now: childrenssociety.org.uk/good-childhood
The Good Childhood Report | The Children's Society
Our Good Childhood Report finds that too many young people are unhappy with their lives. The Government must act now and set a path to a good childhood for all.
childrenssociety.org.uk
October 23, 2025 at 8:44 AM