INFORMATION

 Simply raise the Batsignal, letting Batman and pals know all about the superhero fan, and what they'd want to hear. The more Batman and his friends can make their messages personalised - the better! What are their interests? Do they have brothers, sisters, or pets? Who's their favourite superhero - and who do they want their message from? Batman will then get back to you via email. 

Everyone! Although a lot of Batchat video messages are for children - Bats, Spidey and Supes and their pals also get loads of requests from superhero fans of all ages - and they're always more than happy to say hi!   

 My name is Matt Botten. When I'm not covered in a ludicrously hot rubber cowl, I'm a TV producer working in Children's TV for the BBC, and have been with the organisation for thirteen years. This also means I have DBS certification. I've been a producer on programmes including The Dengineers, The One Show, Countryfile, and BBC Bitesize. The idea of batchat.co.uk came about after I started using lockdown (and my progressively more extensive Bat-wardrobe) to record messages for friends' children. That turned into a daily quiz for a lot of children over Zoom, and that in turn led to requests to host birthday parties over Zoom as Batman, for children who couldn't see their friends due to distancing regulations. The success of those made me think children beyond those of people in my social circle might also enjoy video messages. And that it'd lead to me watching less Homes Under The Hammer 

 As much as you want. I didn't want to do this as a business as I tend to enjoy it more than the children, so charging people seemed unfair. I then decided to do it for charity, but didn't want to put a set price on the parties, that could prove a barrier to families who aren't in as fortunate a financial position as others. As such, I just ask that - after you get your message / call - you make a donation of an amount you are able to, through the Donations page using PayPal. The money will be going to three different charities: the Alzheimer's Society, the MND Association, and Open Sight - an organisation that supports people who have, or at risk of, sight loss. They're three organisations that mean a lot to our family - we lost my Grandma to Motor Neurone Disease in 2007, my Nanny to Alzheimers in 2013, and - until his death last year - my Grandad was supported by Open Sight as he had macular degeneration. So Batman's helping me raise money for, and in memory of, my real heroes - my grandparents 

Simply raise the Batsignal / phone him on a red flashing phone (depending on your knowledge of 1960s television) and wait for Batman to get back to you! You can always expect a response within 24 hours. 

Batman's a big birthday fan. As such - he's also hosting socially distanced birthday parties over Zoom for Batfans and their pals. Head to Batman Birthday to find out more! .