Red Nose Day

It's that time of year again! Tonight, Red Nose Day will be back on our screens. If you aren't familiar with Red Nose Day (where have you been!) It's a UK-wide fundraising event organised by Comic Relief that runs every two years. It's a night where everyone dons a red nose, lets their hair down and enjoys a night of excellent comedy to fundraise money for good causes.

This year there has been all sorts of events taking place this week in the run-up to Fridays main event, as well as various exciting prizes to be won if you make a £5 donation. For £5 you could win two Glastonbury tickets and a backstage drink with DJ Lauren Laverne, or the opportunity to have tea with the Queen!

It's amazing what £5 can do, especially for those most in need. Small contributions quickly add up to enable charities to make really significant changes. Comic Relief donates to many charities- both at home and abroad.

Here is what donations and fundraising allows Comic Relief to achieve:

£30= a group therapy session for an isolated mum suffering from PND.

£50= 20 mosquito nets that can be purchased to stop children in Africa from contracting malaria

£150= a years' worth of secondary school education for a young person in Kenya

In the spirit of helping, here are some brilliant local charities looking for donations in the North East:

Emmaus

Low Fell, Durham

Emmaus is a " homelessness charity with a difference" that doesn't just give people a bed for a night, but "offers a home, meaningful work and a sense of belonging".

£1-for everyone £1 donated to Emmaus, £11 is generated in social benefits- you can also donated goods and belongings.

Sense

Middlesbrough, Newcastle, Bridlington

Sense "supports people who are deafblind, have sensory impairments or complex needs, to enjoy more independent lives"

£7.50= a toy drum. Deaf blind children often like to feel the vibrations of drumming

Mind Darlington

Darlington

is a registered local charity that provides professional, confidential support and recovery services for people experiencing emotional or mental health problems and their carers

£10 = material for arts and crafts session

Willow Burn

Durham

Willow Burn is a hospice that deliver excellent care to patients and their families.

£20= pays for electricity for a day in their inpatient unit

And, of course, there are always food banks that need donations- pasta, tinned food, cereal and snacks are always appreciated.

Are you excited for Red Nose day? Are you doing any fundraising? Let us know below!