Who we are
Compassion UK is a Christian child development charity. We’ve been working in partnership with local churches to release children from poverty in Jesus’ name since 1952.
About Compassion
As a global community of Christians, we’re moved to tackle the injustice of child poverty—just like Jesus would. And we do this by partnering exclusively with more than 8,900 local churches in 29 countries. These local partners bring deep cultural understanding, local knowledge of community needs and strong relationships.
More than 2.3 million children are currently enrolled in locally-led Compassion projects where they receive practical support and learn of Jesus' love for them. It is our hope that they become thriving followers of Jesus, equipped to break free from poverty and transform their families and communities.
What makes us different?
We’re Christ-centred
It’s all about Jesus. He’s our inspiration, the model we follow and the one we strive to introduce others to. We move with compassion because Jesus did.
We’re child-focused
We empower children with the resources and relationships they need to address the spiritual, economic, social and physical challenges of poverty.
We’re church-driven
We partner with more than 8,900 local churches because they know their communities inside out. They create lasting change by building strong relationships and local solutions.
In Jesus, there’s always hope
Our hearts break when we see the devastating effects of extreme child poverty. This isn’t what God wants for his world.
But in Jesus, there’s always hope. And because of that, we don’t turn away. We take our lead from the example of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10. Jesus calls us to open our eyes, feel the pain of those around us and let our hearts be moved to action.
This is what it means to move with compassion–saying ‘yes’ to Jesus’ invitation to bring practical help and the hope of Christ to those who need it most.
“Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt compassion for him." Luke 10:33 (NLT)
How it all began
The story of the Good Samaritan inspired our founder and continues to compel us today.
More than 70 years ago, Rev. Everett Swanson travelled from Chicago to South Korea to minister to American troops during the war.
One morning, he saw city workers collecting what he thought were rags. But as he looked closer, he realised they were the frozen bodies of orphaned children who had died overnight.
He had a choice—to walk away or to respond with compassion. Like the Good Samaritan, he chose compassion.
It was the start of a global movement, uniting Christians to act against the injustice of child poverty—a movement that you can be part of today.
Join us and move with compassion
The local churches we partner with deliver three core programmes:
Where we work
Compassion works in 45 countries with a united mission to see children released from poverty.
We serve children, young people and families living in poverty in 29 countries. These national offices are staffed by teams of local specialists who understand their local context and work in partnership with local churches to deliver Compassion’s child development programmes.
Compassion also has 16 fundraising offices globally (including the UK), who play a part in providing our church partners with the financial resources needed to release children from poverty.
Our values and commitments
Read more about Compassion and what drives our work.
Pray with us
Join thousands of people praying to end poverty, take action through our appeals and activities, and be inspired by how God is changing lives.
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