They say charity begins at home. Wooden Spoon began on the rugby field. That was in 1983. Since then, “Spoon” – as we have become known – has grown into one of the UK and Ireland’s fastest-growing charities.

Each year, we support a whole range of projects designed to improve life for disadvantaged children and young people throughout the UK and Ireland. Over the years, our social and sporting events across the country have raised millions of pounds that have changed thousands of lives.

Below is a brief introduction to our work and the results we deliver. We hope you can get involved too – either as a member or as a supporter. The more people who take up Wooden Spoon, the bigger and better the results we can achieve.
CLICK HERE to download an application form

Making Young Lives Better
Each and every minute of every single day, Wooden Spoon projects make the lives of thousands of disadvantaged children better. Whatever the cause of their disadvantage – physical, mental or social – Spoon offers practical and lasting solutions.

By providing the capital to fund strategic projects for the young and disadvantaged, Spoon makes a long-term difference to young lives across the UK and Ireland.

Projects supported by Spoon vary a lot. Some are small, some are large. A few are sports based, most are not. But, each one is invaluable.

What We Do
We raise money by running events that are as much about fun as they are about fundraising. Spoon now raises over £1.5 million a year through national events such as the Four Peaks Challenge, the Ford Ranger Great Lakeland Challenge and our Annual Ball.

We're very active on the local level too, with golf days, sporting dinners and concerts organised by 44 regional committees who raise funds for projects within their region, so you're never very far from a Wooden Spoon event or project that you can support.

Fun Events,  Measurable Results
Spoon works by supporting people and organisations who can deliver services that make a difference to young people. It’s no ‘flash in the pan’ contribution, either. Most of the funds we donate go directly to capital projects that have a lasting impact. Since 1983, more than £13 million has been invested in over 300 projects. As a result, 500,000 children, young people and their families throughout the UK and Ireland have benefited. Current and past projects include, the list below - for a full list click here.

• A therapy room at Priory School, Chilterns - £80,000
• A sensory room at Doubletrees School, Cornwall - £30,800
• An extension to a therapy area at Ellen Tinkham School, Devon - £50,000
• New IT equipment for the Playing for Success Study Centre at Newcastle Falcons RFC - £40,000
• Project 21 – A children’s activity room for Project 21, Isle of Man - £70,000
• Sunrise Centre - A sensory garden and play area, at the Sunrise Centre, Kent - £90,000
• Providing a Minibus to The Parks School, Leicestershire - £33,100
• A climbing wall at The Children’s Adventure Farm Trust, Manchester & Cheshire - £25,700
• Richmond House – A sports area at Richmond House, Middlesex - £30,000
• A trampoline, harness and hoists at Ashleigh School, Northumberland, £34,000
• Fitting out a new library at Kaimes Special School Association, Scotland – £31,000
• An extension to the seniors’ cottage, Fiveways School, Somerset - £40,000
•  multi-purpose family area at All Saints School, Surrey - £22,000
• A new play area at Knockevin Special School, Ulster - £22,200
• New play area equipment at Reynalds Cross School, West Midlands - £21,000

Join Spoon and Help Make a Difference
The patrons of Wooden Spoon are HRH. The Princess Royal and the four home Rugby Unions. Spoon also has more than 11,000 social members throughout the UK and Ireland. Join us now and – as well as making a difference to thousands of children and young people – you’ll receive a whole range of member benefits. These include quarterly copies of our Spoonews magazine, access to some fabulous local and national events and, of course, the very distinctive Spoon Tie or - for ladies - the equally elegant Spoon Pin.

Cick here to learn more about Wooden Spoon and our projects or call us on 01276 410 180 or Email: members@woodenspoon.com

Our mission:

 'to enhance the quality and prospect of life for children and young people in the United Kingdom and Ireland who are disadvantaged physically, mentally or socially'

Download the Membership Form