Share your message to the next government

Too often, children aren't a priority when decisions are made. The next government needs to hear the voices of children and young people. Will you leave a message?

You can complete this activity as a:

Child, with support of a parent, carer or trusted adult
Young person, over 18
Parent or carer on behalf of a young child

If you want to do this as a creative activity with pens and paper, you can download our activity pack here. Check out some handprints we've already collected.

Show more information about this activity

Why we're collecting messages

The election is an important time for children in the UK

An election on 4th July will decide who leads the next UK government. While only adults can vote, the government is responsible for representing everyone - including children.

Babies, children and young people deserve to be safe, happy and healthy.

We've been running events around the country collecting children's messages to the next government, and after the election we will share them with MPs and Ministers. You can see them here.

Tips for your message

Write what you care about
Think about what's important to you, your family and your community. Are there problems that the government could help with, or that they need to know about?

Keep it snappy
We're collecting lots of messages so it helps to keep yours short and simple. Think about what you'd be able to write inside your handprint, if you had drawn it on a piece of paper.

If your message brings up difficult feelings

If writing your message brings up any concerns, and you'd like to talk to someone, the next page includes some places you can go for support. You can also contact Childline, or Parent Talk.

How we'll share your message

Messages will be collected by Children at the Table partner charities: Action for Children, Barnardo's, NSPCC, National Children's Bureau and The Children's Society.

We will share messages with newly elected MPs and the new government by sharing them directly with specific decision makers, as well as putting them on display at events. We will not share: personal information that could identify a young person; sensitive or upsetting content; politically sensitive content.

If you consent, we may also share your message on social media, websites, in emails to our supporters, or in printed materials (flyers, posters etc).

If you later decide you do not want us to share your message, you can contact us on [email protected] and we will no longer use your message, though we may not be able to take it down from where it is already publicly available.

Why we need an adult's details

Keeping children safe
We understand that you may want to send a message to the next government about a difficult issue you're facing. You're welcome to do so. As children's charities, we legally have to ensure that if we're worried about a child's safety, we can pass information on to people who can help. By providing a parent or trusted adult's details, we can make sure we follow up with any concerns.

Getting the right permission
We need to ensure we have permission to store your information, and to share your message with MPs and the government, as well as with the public.

a grid showing ten different children's handprints with messages written inside, draw in coloured pen on pieces of paper

Handprints and messages that have been shared so far

Write your message

Write message
Give permission
Contact details

I am a

What is your message?

First name, of parent or carer

First name, of child or young person

Child's age

Age

Pick your handprint size

Small

Medium

Large

Pick your handprint colour

Grey

Purple

Yellow

Give your permission for us to share your message

Write message
Give permission
Contact details

If you are under 18, please speak to a parent or carer about this permission.

Contact details

Write message
Give permission
Contact details

As this message is from a child under the age of 18, these should be the details of a parent, carer or other trusted adult.

I understand

As you are over 18, you should include your own contact details here.

I understand

Email Address

First Name

Last Name

Postcode

I understand that Children at the Table charities must follow their safeguarding processes, should any message suggest that a child has been harmed or is at risk of harm. This may include contacting a parent/carer and/ or passing information on to the appropriate authorities.

I understand

Want to hear more from Action for Children?

Are you sure? If you click no, we won't be able to email you with updates about this campaign or our other work. And if you're already on our email list and click no, you will be unsubscribed from all future communications.

Stay in touch
We would love to send you regular updates about our work, including how you can support children by campaigning, volunteering and fundraising.

Yes, keep me updated by email

No, please don’t email me

You’re in control! You can unsubscribe at any time by calling 0300 123 2112 or mailing [email protected]. For more information on how we keep your data safe, please visit actionforchildren.org.uk/privacy.

More information

Why we're collecting messages

The election is an important time for children in the UK

An election on 4th July will decide who leads the next UK government. While only adults can vote, the government is responsible for representing everyone - including children.

Babies, children and young people deserve to be safe, happy and healthy.

We've been running events around the country collecting children's messages to the next government, and after the election we will share them with MPs and Ministers. You can see them here.

Tips for your message

Write what you care about
Think about what's important to you, your family and your community. Are there problems that the government could help with, or that they need to know about?

If your message brings up difficult feelings

If writing your message brings up any concerns, and you'd like to talk to someone, the next page includes some places you can go for support. You can also contact Childline, or Parent Talk.

How we'll share your message

Why we need an adult's details

Getting the right permission
We need to ensure we have permission to store your information, and to share your message with MPs and the government, as well as with the public.

Got any questions? Contact [email protected] and we'll get back to you. This form is being hosted by Action for Children on behalf of the Children's Charities Coalition and the Children At The Table campaign.