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Mark Russell OBE

@markrusselluk.bsky.social
1.3K followers 1.1K following 291 posts

From N.Ireland, work in London, live in Hampshire. I’m passionate about social justice, hope, and building a society for all children. Chief Executive of @childrenssociety.bsky.social , School Governor, FRSA. Views mine 🏳️‍🌈

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Reposted by Mark Russell OBE
Nerys Anthony @nerys-a.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Uplifting day celebrating the relocation of @childrenssociety.bsky.social Chelsea garden to Leighton Buzzard. A really beautiful space for young people - such an amazing legacy. @markrusselluk.bsky.social @nickcookuk.bsky.social @projectgivingback.bsky.social
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Reposted by Mark Russell OBE
Nerys Anthony @nerys-a.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Well attended & highly engaging launch of @childrenssociety.bsky.social report on Teenage Relationship Abuse at #Lab26 Thanks to @markrusselluk.bsky.social for chairing: our contributors, inc @jessasatomp.bsky.social: amazing young people who spoke & @tcspolicypractice.bsky.social for the hard work
Seven photos in a collage taken at fringe event in Labour Party conference. All photos either people talking, or standing smiling or listening to event.
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Reposted by Mark Russell OBE
Nerys Anthony @nerys-a.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Feeling hopeful post @uklabour.bsky.social conference - the emphasis on social care and young people was heard. That’s a wrap for @childrenssociety.bsky.social this year. Big thanks to team @tcspolicypractice.bsky.social for all the prep & @markrusselluk.bsky.social leading the charge
Collage of 20 small photos in one image all taken at the conference. Report covers, people, sunsets
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Nerys Anthony @nerys-a.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Engaging @childrenssociety.bsky.social Trustee Away Day - grateful to all for volunteering their time & colleagues for making the day happen @markrusselluk.bsky.social @nickcookuk.bsky.social
Photo of a big group of people standing facing the camera smiling.4 photos in a collage: 1.  Ripped up pieces of paper. 2. People sitting round desks. 3. Railway sign that says Chelmsford 4. Mark standing in front of a PowerPoint.
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Mark Russell OBE @markrusselluk.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
I've just asked my MP to attend The Children's Society's Parliamentary event and show their support for children's wellbeing. Can you invite your MP too? act.childrenssociety.org.uk/page/200634/...
act.childrenssociety.org.uk
Ask Your MP to Show Up for Children's Wellbeing in Parliament
Urgent action is needed to reverse the decline in children's wellbeing. That's why it's vital that decision-makers understand what needs to change. Email your MP today and ask them to attend our Parli...
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Reposted by Mark Russell OBE
Nerys Anthony @nerys-a.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Anyone else outraged like me? UK's teenagers continue to be the unhappiest in Europe... MORE has to be done. This is not OK. www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news...
mirror.co.uk
British teenagers named unhappiest in Europe for the second time running
New research has exposed the pressures facing young people, with school, money and wider worries weighing heavily on their wellbeing as The Children's Society calls for action
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Mark Russell OBE @markrusselluk.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
For the second time British children are the most unhappy in Europe. It doesn’t have to be this way, we need to make improving children’s wellbeing a national mission We at @childrenssociety.bsky.social will keep fighting for change Children deserve better www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news...
mirror.co.uk
British teenagers named unhappiest in Europe for the second time running
New research has exposed the pressures facing young people, with school, money and wider worries weighing heavily on their wellbeing as The Children's Society calls for action
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The Children's Society @childrenssociety.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
From one-to-one support, group work and events in the community, this year we have reached over 73,000 young people. Thanks to our teams, volunteers, and supporters who make this all possible. Read our full report: ow.ly/zuCY50ZIe73
Four teenagers casually hanging out on urban steps with a yellow swirl around them Text reading '73,186 children and young people reached'.
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The Children's Society @childrenssociety.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
How do we improve our services? We act on what young people tell us. As a result, our hubs have become more accessible to the young people we work with. Read more about how we turned young people's feedback into action in Leeds: ow.ly/3tkb50ZILrn
Text highlights young people's feedback on safety, multilingual signs, welcoming spaces, and youth involvement in recruitment at The Children's Society.
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Reposted by Mark Russell OBE
The Children's Society @childrenssociety.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Children aren’t failing to access mental health support. The system is failing to reach them. Our new report shows why trusted, flexible and inclusive early support must meet children where they are. Read the report here: ow.ly/8UFB50ZKpgJ
A therapy room with chairs and a couch, overlaid with text reading: Children aren’t failing to access mental health support. The system is failing to reach them.
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Mark Russell OBE @markrusselluk.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
For too many children and young people, summer isn't a holiday. Send a postcard to your MP and ask them to help ensure every young person can access the support they need and make happy memories this summer. herefortheholidays.childrenssociety.justpost.cards
herefortheholidays.childrenssociety.justpost.cards
For too many children and young people, summer isn't a holiday.
Send a postcard to your MP and ask them to help ensure every young person can access the support they need and make happy memories this summer.
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Mark Russell OBE @markrusselluk.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
Today is my 7th anniv as CEO of @childrenssociety.bsky.social and it is such a privilege to serve such an outstanding charity making a difference in so many young people's lives. It has been a rollercoaster of a journey and I don’t think I’ve aged too much!
Picture of mark in 2019 and in 2026
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Mark Russell OBE @markrusselluk.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Truly shocked by the news of Jason Arday’s death tonight. When will we learn that behind the story, the headlines and the opinions, is a human being, a person with a life, and the pressure we put on them is just horrendous
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Reposted by Mark Russell OBE
Nerys Anthony @nerys-a.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
Great to see this coverage of the local opening of the fantastic new garden in @childrenssociety.bsky.social Leighton Buzzard youth centre - its permanent new home www.leightonbuzzardonline.co.uk/news/people/...
leightonbuzzardonline.co.uk
Gold medal-winning Chelsea Flower Show garden opens at Leighton Buzzard Youth Centre
A gold medal-winning garden from the Chelsea Flower Show is now officially open at its new home in Leighton Buzzard.
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The Children's Society @childrenssociety.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
Welcome Kristina Murrin CBE as our new Chair of Trustees We're pleased to welcome Kristina as we continue to work to reverse the decline in children’s wellbeing. Kristina Murrin, brings a wealth of experience across the corporate, public and voluntary sectors 🧡
Portrait of a woman with an orange background
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Nerys Anthony @nerys-a.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
Investing in early mental health support for children and young people could deliver £51 billion in lifetime economic benefits while reducing pressure on schools and public services: New @pbe.co.uk report commissioned by @childrenssociety.bsky.social www.socialworktoday.co.uk/News/early-m...
socialworktoday.co.uk
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Mark Russell OBE @markrusselluk.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
Over 1600 of our @childrenssociety.bsky.social supporters signed a card to congratulate @andyburnham.bsky.social on his new job and encouraging him to prioritise children! It’s been awesome for Jack and I to deliver it today to No10!
Picture of Jack and Mark with the card outside the famous big black door
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The Children's Society @childrenssociety.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
Not all young people can enjoy the summer holidays. A lot of young people feel stressed or lonely from a loss of routine, time with friends, and safe places to go. Read our blog to learn how holidays affect children: ow.ly/toox50ZqFwz
Empty classroom with rows of desks and blue chairs, stationery on tables, and student work displayed on the wall.
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Mark Russell OBE @markrusselluk.bsky.social · 25/07/2026
So good to be in Penarth in Wales today to say thank you to the amazing Ann and her friends who open their gardens annually to raise money for @childrenssociety.bsky.social Ann’s done this for 30 years! As ever I’m inspired by the amazing people who stand with us!
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Mark Russell OBE @markrusselluk.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
I've just signed a card calling on the new Prime Minister to put children's wellbeing at the top of his agenda. Will you add your name too? act.childrenssociety.org.uk/page/195261/...
act.childrenssociety.org.uk
Agree that children's wellbeing should be at the top of the new Prime Minister's agenda? Sign our card to Andy Burnham today!
I've just signed a card calling on the new Prime Minister to put children's wellbeing at the top of his agenda. Will you add your name too?
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Nerys Anthony @nerys-a.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
Early mental health support delivers £14 return on every £1 spent – SocialCareToday socialcare.today/2026/07/06/e...
socialcare.today
Early mental health support delivers £14 return on every £1 spent
Investing in early mental health support for children and young people could generate £14 of economic benefits for every £1 spent, according to a new report that warns more than two-thirds of young pe...
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Nerys Anthony @nerys-a.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
@markrusselluk.bsky.social Amina & I welcomed @libpeck.bsky.social to @childrenssociety.bsky.social Time for young people service in Newham this week. Great conversation - we loved hosting Lib!
Theee adults stood facing the camera smiling.
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PBE @pbe.co.uk · 07/07/2026
Investing in early support for young people's mental health could generate £56 billion in economic benefits 💡
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Nerys Anthony @nerys-a.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
Proud to share the latest blog from @childrenssociety.bsky.social setting out the economic case for support children and young people early... before crisis hits www.childrenssociety.org.uk/about-us/our...
childrenssociety.org.uk
The economic case for early support | The Children's Society
The Children's Society commissioned the PBE to investigate the economic costs and benefits of providing young people with early support for their wellbeing and mental health.
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Nerys Anthony @nerys-a.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
Take a look at this thread to see @childrenssociety.bsky.social latest commission from @pbe.co.uk making the economic case (loud & clear): it’s essential to support children & young people early before crisis hits @tcspolicypractice.bsky.social
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Mark Russell OBE @markrusselluk.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
@simonlightwood.org.uk lovely to see you! Would be fab to catch up properly sometime!
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Nerys Anthony @nerys-a.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
Coverage of @childrenssociety.bsky.social new report: Walking Into Nothing: The hidden cost of the school holidays for families www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/202...
churchtimes.co.uk
Charity says loophole leaves 1.3 million children missing out on financial support in school holidays
Children’s Society warns of ‘arbitrary two-tier system’ and confusion caused by change in the rules
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Mark Russell OBE @markrusselluk.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
I've just signed a petition calling on the Government to step up and provide vital support to children and teens who need it most during the school holidays. Will you add your name too? act.childrenssociety.org.uk/page/193372/...
act.childrenssociety.org.uk
Agree that school holidays matter? Sign the petition.
The Children's Society are calling for vital support to children and teens who need it most during the school holidays. Will you add your name?
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Mark Russell OBE @markrusselluk.bsky.social · 20/06/2026
Everyone at @childrenssociety.bsky.social sends our warmest good wishes to our Royal President, HRH The Duchess of Gloucester, as she celebrates her 80th Birthday today! We are so grateful for her support for our work. @royalfamily.bsky.social
Photos of HRH visiting TCS centres in Newham and Birmingham
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Nerys Anthony @nerys-a.bsky.social · 14/06/2026
@markrusselluk.bsky.social & I enjoyed our time with colleagues from Mr. Fothergills - planting together & soaking the new home in our youth centre in Leighton Buzzard for @childrenssociety.bsky.social Chelsea Flower Show garden 🪏 inspirational relocation for young people to enjoy & nurture 🌳
Mark and I planting in a raised bed. Smiling at the camera Mark and Krish planting plants in a raised bed Lots of plant pots stacked up. People in the background 11 people standing in a garden smoking at the camera
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Nerys Anthony @nerys-a.bsky.social · 14/06/2026
Wonderful day @childrenssociety.bsky.social youth centre in Leighton Buzzard where our Chelsea garden is being relocated. Blown away by the vision & complete transformation of the space for young people 🌱 Patrick Clark & the team have smashed it @markrusselluk.bsky.social
View of green garden with rusty metal structures + blue skyView of garden with a path, table, stools, empty plant pots. Blue sky Picture of me Mark Russell and Patric Clark smiling in the garden Me holding up a plant pot with Krish. Planting in a raised border
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The Children's Society @childrenssociety.bsky.social · 05/06/2026
TONIGHT BBC Two's Gardener’s World spotlights the exceptional Ann Lush 📺 Ann has supported us for almost 60 years, running committees, volunteering her time and raising around £300,000. Thank you Ann for helping make sure children don’t have to face life alone 🙏 Photo: Nikita Singh
Elderly woman in a floral dress and white cardigan standing in a sunny garden with lush greenery and a white house in the background.
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The Children's Society @childrenssociety.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
Did you know that vaping has links to child exploitation? From illegally selling vapes to buying it for young people, adults can use them to exploit young people. Read our blog to dive into the link between vaping and exploitation: ow.ly/QZkX50Zb8Kb
People vaping indoors with a blurred background, text reading: The darker side of vaping that is rarely talked about
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Mark Russell OBE @markrusselluk.bsky.social · 14/06/2026
Children deserve to feel safe & happy. When so many don’t it’s a national emergency We at @childrenssociety.bsky.social completely agree Thank you @theobserveruk.bsky.social for this powerful editorial & @frankcottrellboyce.bsky.social for your book (just ordered!) observer.co.uk/opinion-and-...
observer.co.uk
The Observer view: A manifesto for children | The Observer
The young deserve to feel safe and happy, and to look forward to the holidays. When so many don’t, it’s a national emergency
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Mark Russell OBE @markrusselluk.bsky.social · 10/06/2026
Excellent meeting with DWP Minister @damedianajohnson.bsky.social Good to bring @childrenssociety.bsky.social thanks for progress made to reduce child poverty but also good to press for a faster pace in implementing the strategy. So grateful for the Minister’s passion to make a difference
Mark with the Minister in her office
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The Children's Society @childrenssociety.bsky.social · 10/06/2026
Children’s services are stuck in a crisis loop. Spending hit a record £14.7bn despite little evidence outcomes for children are improving. The reason? 80% of budgets are spent on late intervention. A new report by @pbe.co.uk, commissioned by us at the Children's Services Funding Alliance 👇
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Mark Russell OBE @markrusselluk.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
Love this A single act of support creates a ripple of change! @childrenssociety.bsky.social
Sticker saying a single act of support creates a ripple of change
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The Children's Society @childrenssociety.bsky.social · 29/05/2026
At the #ChelseaFlowerShow, our garden showed what’s possible when young people get the support they need. 🌸 If it moved you, don’t let it end there. Hold an open day or picnic and be part of change. Sign up to Hope blooms here and get a free pack of seeds today: ow.ly/criX50Z5ewU💚
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Mark Russell OBE @markrusselluk.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
Our response to the Milburn Review published today
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The Children's Society @childrenssociety.bsky.social · 27/05/2026
Are you watching this storyline on Eastenders? Thousands of children care for someone at home, often without recognition or support. Image: BBC
A patient lies in a hospital bed wearing a gown, holding hands with her husband visiting, while her son sits on the other side.
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Mark Russell OBE @markrusselluk.bsky.social · 26/05/2026
This book is one of the most incredible I have ever read. #LondonFalling is gripping, scary and at times unbelievable. I will never see London the same way again. Emily Maitlis is right, this story will stay with me a long time. Incredible writing from @praddenkeefe.bsky.social
Picture of the book cover
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Nerys Anthony @nerys-a.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
Having spent the day at Chelsea Glower Show in @childrenssociety.bsky.social gold winning garden - I can say that this article on our garden is absolutely spot on @theguardian.com - thank you www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...
theguardian.com
‘Imperfections are what gives us character’: a prickly garden to help teenagers blossom
Plants whose beauty is flawed carry a message in Children’s Society garden, a gold medal winner at Chelsea flower show
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The Children's Society @childrenssociety.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
Helen Cross introduces our garden for the People’s Choice Award. Vote for our garden here: www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/a...
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Nerys Anthony @nerys-a.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
Please vote for @childrenssociety.bsky.social garden !
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Nerys Anthony @nerys-a.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
We are proud to be part of the #AMillionActsOfHope campaign at @childrenssociety.bsky.social Watch this short video to hear some of the heart warming messages we’ve received
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Mark Russell OBE @markrusselluk.bsky.social · 14/05/2026
We @childrenssociety.bsky.social are THRILLED to have a show garden next week on Main Avenue at RHS #ChelseaFlowerShow So grateful to Project Giving Back for their support If you’re there come see us!!!! www.childrenssociety.org.uk/chelsea-flow...
childrenssociety.org.uk
RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026 | The Children's Society
The Children’s Society will unveil a powerful new show garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show from 19 to 23 May 2026, created to spotlight the urgent issue of teenage wellbeing in the UK.
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Mark Russell OBE @markrusselluk.bsky.social · 13/05/2026
A joy to be in Cheltenham to visit @childrenssociety.bsky.social youth centre and meet the team who are making such a difference to young people in the community. I was genuinely inspired by the team and the really creative open access youth work and detached youth work they’re leading.
Mark with the amazing team in Cheltenham!
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Mark Russell OBE @markrusselluk.bsky.social · 02/05/2026
I was really moved watching an interview with @sarahsackman.bsky.social who looked so worried as she talked about holding her children’s hands extra tight. All of us who want to live in a tolerant peaceful society need to stand with the Jewish community who are living in fear
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Nerys Anthony @nerys-a.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
Not only is running the marathon for @childrenssociety.bsky.social a motivating and inspiring experience - it can be utterly life changing too! Love that two of our runners got engaged on the @londonmarathon.bsky.social route www.oswestry.life/article/lond...
oswestry.life
London Marathon Runner Proposes Before Crossing Finish Line with Fiancée - Oswestry Life
A Shrewsbury couple who ran the London Marathon together on Sunday had become fiancées by the time they crossed the [...]
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Mark Russell OBE @markrusselluk.bsky.social · 30/04/2026
A privilege today to speak to the whole Year 9 cohort at Costello School in Basingstoke about my career, and our work at @childrenssociety.bsky.social Such a great group of young people! Always a joy to speak as part of @futuresforalluk.bsky.social
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