What was the original name of the charity that became Lumos?

The charity that became Lumos was originally called the Children’s High Level Group.

J.K. Rowling co-founded the organization in 2005 with then-MEP Emma Nicholson. Its early work focused on improving conditions for children in institutions and encouraging family-based care. The name reflected its connection with a European parliamentary initiative concerning children living in institutions.

The organization changed its name to Lumos in 2010. The new name was inspired by the Harry Potter books, where Lumos is a spell that produces light. The charity’s mission remained focused on ending the institutionalization of children and supporting family and community care.

Lumos is therefore not the original name of Rowling’s charity. It is the later identity under which the organization became widely known. The name change also helped create a clearer, memorable public identity for its international advocacy work.