runs) and through its partnership with the British Methodist Church. The charity is also involved with several large fundraising events, including Byte Night – an IT industry event which raises money to prevent youth homelessness – and Never Mind The Business, a music-based quiz night for business people. In 2018, Action for Children launched its Secret Santa fundraising campaign. The campaign encouraged the public to become a Secret Santa for a vulnerable child, donating £10 or more to support children in the UK at Christmas. Because of its links to the Methodist Church, which opposes gambling, before 2003 Action for Children did not accept National Lottery funding. In 2000 and 2002, the organisation was criticised, including by its own staff, for accepting funding from BAE Systems, an arms manufacturer. See also Clare Tickell Walter Tull References External links Action for Children's website A history of the NCH and details of each of its branches Information about the history of NCH branches Forum for former NCH residents Guardian image gallery showing the charity’s history 1869 establishments in the United Kingdom Children's charities based in the United Kingdom Methodism Youth charities based in the United Kingdom