Every year it feels like Red Nose Day comes round faster and faster – maybe that’s a sign I’m getting older. But it also feels like the need for an evening of laughter, and using its unique power to fundraise for people who urgently need our help, is more relevant than ever.
Red Nose Day is back tomorrow on BBC One for the 19th time, and as always, we aim to bring you another night of fun, famous faces and never-seen-before comedy sketches.
It has always been more than that though, it’s the chance to come together and help other people. That’s people in your local communities across the UK, but also people in need around the world.
I started Comic Relief with Richard Curtis in 1985 to support millions of people affected by the Ethiopian famine. This crisis created more than 400,000 refugees and displaced over 2.5 million.
When I watched the public raise more than £15million during the first televised Red Nose Day in 1988, I was astounded.
War, drought, persecution, poverty; whether the disaster is man-made or caused by mother nature, the effect is no less traumatic.
And here we are in 2022, seeing horrific images of war in Ukraine daily and witnessing people around the world fleeing conflict and persecution.
Times are truly difficult. Across the country, as we slowly emerge from the pandemic, thousands of people are struggling with rising living costs.
Many are forced to choose between heating and eating. And this is taking its toll on our mental health as a nation.
A recent Comic Relief poll found over 50% of parents were worried about how the rising cost of living may impact their own and children’s mental health.
In times of hardship, I have seen how community organisations plug the cracks in society when life gets tough.
From donating and volunteering at food banks, to befriending older people who are cut off from society.
I recently visited Fight 4 Change, a project in London that uses boxing to inspire and educate young people to make a positive change in their lives.
Rebecca Donnelly MBE founded the project in 2009. It works with more than 200 people, many of whom credit it for keeping them away from knife crime and gangs.
When I met Rebecca and her members, she told me how Fight 4 Change has seen a huge rise in mental health issues.
The pressures of the pandemic are emerging gradually but with force. Anxiety among young people is higher than ever, and isolation is a growing issue after long lockdowns.
But with the help of Comic Relief funding, Fight 4 Change is able to offer support to vulnerable people.
With the right help, they are able to walk out of the boxing ring with a new outlook on life. They walk taller, with confidence and clarity.
Under the mentoring of Rebecca, a boxing and Muay Thai champion, and her team, not only has stepping into the ring helped them to get fitter but it has also transformed their mental health. One woman told me she had “found a home” at Fight 4 Change.
Despite losing a number of friends and family to knife crime, she had found a place where she felt safe, where she could channel her hurt into sport and turn it into something productive.
Not long after meeting these fantastic people, the situation in Ukraine hit headlines around the world. I was reminded of the colossal need for financial support on our doorsteps but also around the globe.
Our partners are already in Ukraine, helping with food, water, clothes, and medical and legal support for those seeking safety and trying to cross borders.
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Comic Relief is committed to providing support over the medium and longer term, including mental health, homelessness, children’s safety and ongoing violence against women and girls.
We can help them feel safer as they rebuild their lives.
Every year the ability of our nation to unite behind a night of laughter and merriment to raise money for a good cause, particularly in times of crisis, continues to still blow me away.
Red Nose Day is back tomorrow and there are plenty of surprises in store. This includes a silly number of stars lined up to entertain all of you at home, plus great hosts including me, Zoe Ball, Paddy McGuinness, Alesha Dixon and more.
As well as the hilarious comedy and special sketches, our films will show you how, and who, all your generous donations have helped and where your money can most help going forward.
I hope we can unite once again to enjoy the show, and if you can, donate. Your kindness and generosity really does have the power to change lives.
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