Kids Company founder Camila Batmanghelidjh dies aged 61

Kids Company charity founder Camila Batmanghelidjh has died aged 61, her family has announced.

Ms Batmanghelidjh started the charity in 1996 in south London to support deprived and vulnerable children and young people living in cities.

In a statement, her family said: “It is with great sadness that the family of Camila Batmanghelidjh announce her passing. She died peacefully in her sleep the night of 1 January, following a birthday celebration with her family.

“Camila dedicated her life to advocating for Britain’s most vulnerable children. She was the founder of two groundbreaking charities, Place2Be and Kids Company, which pioneered new therapeutic and clinical models to achieve a singular goal: ‘To see children and young people become safe and able to realise their potential.’”

The Iranian-Belgian social justice campaigner was known for her vibrant attire and passion for supporting disadvantaged children.

She was forced to step down from Kids Company in 2015 following allegations of financial mismanagement but she was later cleared of wrongdoing in a High Court battle.

Later that year, the charity collapsed following unsubstantiated reports of sexual abuse.

According to reports, Ms Batmanghelidjh died on Monday after a lengthy illness.

She is said to have spent her last Christmas at home wrapping presents for vulnerable children, the BBC reported.

Brixton Soup Kitchen, a charity which supports homeless people, said on X that Ms Batmanghelidjh donated over 100 Christmas gifts to “less fortunate kids” last week.

Steve Chalke, a friend of Ms Batmanghelidjh and the founder of Oasis, an NGO that runs schools and supported housing projects paid tribute to her on X.

He said: “My dear friend Camila Batmanghelidjh has died today. I’ll forever be grateful for her wisdom & depth of love for children. Equally, for all she contributed to my understanding as well as to Oasis since 2015 & the untimely, unjust closure of Kids Company. With endless thanks.”

Additional reporting by PA News Agency

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