About the partnership

We have been working in partnership with the Methodist Church for 140 years to give society's most vulnerable and neglected children and young people the support they need.

Thomas Bowman Stephenson, a Methodist minister from the North East of England, had a passionate commitment to social justice and campaigned on behalf of the vulnerable of his day.

From the time he moved to London, Stephenson challenged the Methodist Church to address the plight of homeless children on the street.

Methodist pioneers

Stephenson founded The Children's Home in 1869, with the help of two friends called Francis Horner and Alfred Mager. They called it The Children's Home as they wanted to provide the same quality of care that other children received in a loving home - a vision that was radically different to the workhouses of the day.

The work grew and developed, and it was initially Methodists, staff and volunteers who developed new ways of caring for children and young people. The National Children's Home (as it became known) has featured prominently in the history of child welfare as a leader and force for change.

Methodist principles

Action for Children's ethos is deeply rooted in Methodist principles. The famous words of John Wesley to 'go not only to those who need you but to those who need you most' eloquently and simply describe our vision and values today. We maintain close links with the Methodist Church in Britain. Our Council of trustees is appointed by the Methodist Conference - to which we report annually. A number of Methodists are trustees and all of our national committees in England, Scotland and Wales have at least one Methodist representative.

Methodist support

Many of our supporters and volunteers come from local Methodist churches. We let churches know about our work in their area and support local Methodists who fundraise and campaign with us. The Methodist Church gives particular attention to Action for Children's work during worship on the second Sunday in July each year, Action for Children Sunday, and at Christmas.