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During Friday night’s Red Nose Day night of entertainment on BBC One, it was announced that UK aid will double £6 million of public donations.
The money will go towards a 10 year programme in partnership with Comic Relief to support organisations in Ghana, Zambia and Malawi to strengthen their capacity so they can build on the life-changing work they are doing to support communities long into the future.
The £12million will be spent across all of Comic Relief’s focus areas and ensure that people have a safe and secure place to call home, that children are given the best start in life, that women and girls’ rights are upheld and that people living with mental health conditions get the support that they need.
The aim is to shift power to locally-led organisations that are focused on driving positive change and finding local solutions. Through this programme, they will be given funding and support to invest in their own organisational strengthening and in the areas that they know are most important in meeting the priorities of the people and communities they benefit.
They will be supported by local experts to enhance their skills and capabilities, as well as generate new types of funding locally.
Comic Relief has partnered with UK aid since 2009 to jointly fund projects across sub-Saharan Africa, helping to improve the lives of millions of people. This programme builds on the partnership which has enabled generous donations from the great British public to Comic Relief to be used to directly support those most in need.
Samir Patel, CEO, Comic Relief said: “Thanks to UK aid matching £6 million of public donations this Red Nose Day, we can make a real difference to the lives of people in Ghana, Zambia and Malawi. Our programme will build the capacity of locally led organisations working across early childhood development, mental health, gender equality and homelessness. Our funding will help local projects become more sustainable and strengthen their ability to support vulnerable people in their communities.
“This is a prime example of the Incredible things that happen when Comic Relief and UK aid work together, and over the last 10 years our vital partnerships have empowered local people to drive real change.”
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said: “Over the last 35 years, Comic Relief has raised over £1.4 billion thanks to the enormous generosity of communities across the UK.
“This year we will help your generosity go twice as far by matching a further £6 million donations to Red Nose Day.
“By joining forces with Comic Relief, we will improve the lives of some of the world’s poorest people for generations to come.”
