Car firm Kia UK has announced an England and Wales wide partnership with the charity The Children’s Society.

This includes Kia donating £1 from every car sold to the charity, which supports vulnerable children and young people. Last year it registered more than 113,500 vehicles.

Further fundraising and awareness initiatives are also planned, including customers and staff.

Also, the firm’s president and chief executive Paul Philpott, will run in this year’s London Marathon to support the charity.

He said: “We couldn’t be prouder to partner with this leading charity. It saddens us to recognise that across the UK, so many children are suffering unseen and unheard, struggling with mental health, living in poverty, and in danger from exploitation and abuse.

“The Children’s Society supports a brighter future for all children, and we know what a difference Kia UK’s contribution will make towards furthering the cause. Together we can help build a society where all children can thrive, not just survive.”

The launch of the partnership follows the conclusion of its previous charity link up, a regional four year collaboration with the Surrey Wildlife Trust.

The move to a national charity partnership signals the firm’s “ambition to broaden its charitable impact, ensuring that its support reaches families and communities throughout the country”, it says.

“We are so proud to join forces with Kia UK on a mission to transform young people's lives, and help ensure they don't face pressures alone,” said the charity’s chief executive Mark Russell.

“Kia UK is stepping up to make a difference by helping us provide more young people with vital early mental health support.

“Together we will shine a powerful spotlight on the challenges young people are going through and ensure they receive help before reaching crisis point.

“Our partnership will raise funds to deliver more safe spaces where young people can talk to someone who will listen and give them the essential skills and hope for a brighter future.”

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