Compassion UK is Premier’s Charity of the Year

This year, we’re partnering with Premier Christian Radio to highlight the incredible impact of the local church in releasing children from poverty in Jesus’ name. Head over to Premier Radio on 21 and 22 January to listen live to amazing stories of transformation.

“There’s a ripple effect. After being sponsored with Compassion, I’m now a lawyer currently working on 250 cases looking to secure justice for children and young people.” John, Compassion graduate 

The stories you’ll hear

We’re excited to share firsthand accounts from children, church leaders, project workers and Compassion graduates who’ve seen God moving and bringing change to their local communities. Here is just a preview of the stories you’ll hear:

Derek, 14, Compassion participant

Derek, 14, is a Compassion Participant

“When I grow up, I want to be a doctor because I want to help people and reach people. My favourite things at the project are food and learning about God. I love computer learning.”

Jacquie, Compassion project director in Mbale

Jacquie, Compassion project director in Mbale.

“Child protection is a big issue in our community. But we’re here to serve and protect children. We work so closely with Compassion to see that these children are protected at all times. We train their caregivers, we train them to protect themselves, to take charge of their lives, to know their rights and responsibilities. … We also do community education. These children are a focal point to reach out to the entire community … our message is far-reaching, it goes far beyond the ones we serve.”

John, Compassion graduate and human rights lawyer in Uganda

John now advocates for the marginalised and those denied justice.

“After being sponsored with Compassion, I’m now an advocate of the High Court of Uganda, and also an entrepreneur with interests in renewable energy, real estate and water.

“My childhood was really hard. My mum died when I was 12, my dad was an alcoholic and I was tasked with bringing up my three younger brothers. I really want to thank Compassion and the church for the impact they had in my life. A family I had never met invested their resources into me. My life was never the same again and I would probably be dead right now if I didn’t have the opportunities. And it’s not just my life. There’s a ripple effect. I’m currently working on 250 cases looking to secure justice for children and young people.”

Listen back to inspiring interviews

Check out some of the recent Premier Christian Radio interviews celebrating how God is moving through his local church:

• Called to Serve with Compassion UK. Rev Lyn Weston reflects with Donna Birrell on her journey from global banking to church leadership and now to serving as Chief Partnerships Officer at Compassion UK. She shares how God confirmed her calling on a mission trip to Uganda and why prayer and partnership remain central to her ministry. Listen now

• A Life of Faith and Sponsorship. Paul and Linda Coleman joined Premier's Donna Birrell to share how their decades of walking with God have been marked by faith, provision and the joy of sponsoring children through Compassion UK. From meeting the children they sponsor for the first time to stepping out when finances felt impossible, they’ve seen God provide in powerful ways. Listen now

• The Joys of Seeing Children's Lives Transformed. Worship artist Graham Kendrick speaks to Esther Higham about how he first got involved with Compassion, the profound impact of seeing children's lives transformed, and lessons learnt from five decades in the music business. Listen now

An exciting partnership year ahead

Throughout the year, we’re working with Premier to celebrate the way Jesus leads his people to move, bringing hope and opportunity to children living in poverty.

Compassion UK Chief Executive Justin Dowds shares, “We’re thrilled to be partnering with Premier once again. This collaboration is more than just a partnership— it’s a movement of God’s people responding to his call to love our neighbours and move with compassion against the injustice of child poverty. Progress in tackling poverty has drastically slowed, with 333 million children still living in extreme poverty. By working alongside local churches around the world, we’re seeing lives transformed in Jesus’ name. Through Premier’s incredible platform, we can share these powerful stories and invite more people to follow where Jesus is leading—to bring hope to more children, more quickly.”

Take the next step and sponsor a child with Compassion and Premier.

Download the Compassion UK App where you can listen to Premier Christian Radio or visit Premier online.