McDonald’s and BBC Children in Need have been in partnership since 2021, raising vital funds to support youth projects all over the UK and ensure that every young person has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

The partnership has been helping address the growing and complex issues affecting children and young people, with funds raised to date supporting up to 185 youth work projects, including the employment of approximately 320 youth workers.

Last year, McDonald’s UK&I and BBC Children in Need came together to launch Makin’ it – a nationwide initiative to strengthen connections and better support young people and unlock genuine opportunity.

The initiative aims to give young people greater access to opportunities and help rebuild youth services across the UK, with BBC Children in Need and McDonald’s aiming to fund 500 new youth worker qualifications and create safe spaces for young people in McDonald’s restaurants.

“Our partnership with Upturn and the work experience programme has given us an opportunity to develop these young people so they can actually make themselves independent and self sufficient young adults, and they don’t have to rely on the system. Basically it’s an opportunity to change their lives.” Jonathan Kinsey, Business Manager McDonald’s, Rochdale

Since the partnership began, McDonald’s Franchisees, customers and crew have raised over £5 million to date. Thank you to McDonald’s colleagues and customers who get behind BBC Children in Need each and every year – we couldn’t do it without you!