What was the original name of J.K. Rowling’s charity now called Lumos?

J.K. Rowling’s charity Lumos was originally called the Children’s High Level Group.

Rowling co-founded the organization in 2005 with Emma Nicholson, then a Member of the European Parliament. Its initial work focused on improving conditions for children living in institutions and promoting family-based care.

The organization changed its name to Lumos in 2010. The new name refers to light and was inspired by the Harry Potter spell Lumos, which creates light from a wand. The charity’s mission remained focused on ending the institutionalization of children and supporting family and community care.

Lumos is often described simply as Rowling’s charity, but it developed through a broader partnership involving policy work, advocacy, and projects in several countries. Its name change also helped create a shorter identity for international campaigning.