85 Highbury Park, London, N5 1UD

NCH is one of the UK's leading children's charities, providing services throughout the UK to vulnerable and socially-excluded children. NCH also campaigns on child welfare, having in the past been a leading advocate of adoption. The charity was established by Thomas Stephenson, with the assistance of fellow Methodists Alfred Mager and Frances Horner, opening a Children's Home for boys living on the streets of Lambeth in 1869. Since 1969 the charity has also promoted child protection policy and safeguarding practices outside of the UK. At present, NCH assists in the provision of child and youth services and community projects in the Caribbean, Central America (Belize), Russia and Southern Africa. NCH is also partnering with the UK Government in implementing a four-year Child Protection Programme for the British Overseas Territories. The current name was adopted in 2000. Charity no. 1097940, company no. 04764232. Sources: www.nch.org.uk; contact with NGO, March 2007

National Children's Home (1898-2000); NCH - The Children's Charity (2000-2008)

Association of Friends of National Children's Homes; National Council of Voluntary Child Care Organisations (NCVCCO)