Action for Children
Yorkshire Walk

The incoming Vice-President of the Methodist Conference joined dozens of walkers to raise funds and awareness for the charity Action for Children in a sponsored walk through stunning Yorkshire scenery. Action for Children was founded by a Methodist minister in the late 1800s.

The five-mile Step Out event on Saturday 13 June was a circular route starting and ending at Lindley Methodist Church in Huddersfield, taking in some of the beautiful sights around the Grimescar Valley.

As well as bringing attention to the important work of the charity, £2,000 was raised to support children in vulnerable situations across the UK.

Caroline Stead, Vice-President Designate of the Methodist Conference, gave a speech before the walk addressing those who had gathered to take part. She said: “What we are doing today is incredibly important, every step taken makes a real difference to the lives of children and young people.

“Action for Children has been supporting children and young people in the UK for over 150 years.

“What is really striking is this – the challenges that children face today haven’t disappeared. Even today we have children growing up without the basics of a safe and loving home, without food or somewhere to live.

“That’s where Action for Children comes in; they support children and families in many ways – from foster care and safe housing to helping children with disabilities and supporting young people leaving care. They are there alongside families through poverty, through trauma and crisis.

“Childhood is precious and it’s short, we don’t have long to get it right. When we walk today we’re not just covering miles, we are actually changing lives.”

Liz Bishop, of the Huddersfield Circuit, has been organising the Step Out walk for over 30 years.

She said: “Step Out used to be a yearly event in the Action for Children calendar. We have continued with this in our circuit, raising many thousands of pounds for the charity.

“As the walk is yearly people in the circuit regularly take part and enjoy the walk and fellowship.

“Walkers meet at the church to register for the walk and as the walk is circular end up back at the church for refreshments. I provide a backup for anyone who is struggling, providing first aid if ever needed and providing refreshments at a halfway point.

“Our walkers are getting older but still walk as able and if not will sponsor someone or give a donation.

“We never know how many walkers there will be, but God always provides and keeps everyone safe.”

Action for Children started life as the National Children’s Home (NCH), founded after a Methodist minister, the Revd Dr Thomas Bowman Stephenson, saw some children living rough under the arches of Waterloo Station in 1869 and stopped to listen to their stories. He was passionate about social justice and when he moved to London, he challenged the Methodist Church to take action to help children living on the streets, leading to the creation of the NCH. In 1994 it became NCH Action for Children and in 2008 was renamed Action for Children.

The charity protects and supports vulnerable children and young people by providing practical and emotional care and support, ensuring their voices are heard and campaigning to bring lasting improvements to their lives. With 342 services in local communities across the UK, in schools and online, Action for Children help 551,400 children, young people, and families each year.

For further information on Action for Children or to donate, visit their website at:actionforchildren.org.uk.

The website also has information about organising your own Step Out walk, which can be found here: Step Out for Children 2026 | Action For Children