Tackling Child Poverty in London: Amplifying Voices for Change
This London Challenge Poverty Week has been a busy one! At the start of the week, we attended The Childhood Trust‘s Child Poverty Summit with colleagues from Home-Start Richmond, Kingston & Hounslow and Home-Start Camden and Islington. We shared our new film highlighting the stories of two parents and their determination to give their children the best possible start in life.
We met with Deputy Mayor Debbie Weekes-Bernard along with other members of 4in10 – London’s Child Poverty Network to share insight into the current situation for families and communities. We raised concerns about rising isolation and loneliness amongst parents, and the long-lasting impact of poverty on babies and young children. Our united message was that ending child poverty must be an urgent priority and integrated into the work of the London Partnership Board.
We took part in a legislative theatre event exploring Temporary Accommodation, an issue affecting many families supported by Home-Start in the capital. Commissioned by the London Housing Panel and coordinated by Groundswell – Homelessness Charity UK, the event involved Home-Start Westminster, Kensington & Chelsea, Hammersmith & Fulham staff and families alongside RBKC housing staff. The powerful performance sparked recommendations and commitment to action from the expert policy panel.
London has some of the highest rates of child poverty in the country. Home-Start staff and volunteers are in family homes every week, often helping to mitigate the stresses and pressures that poverty brings. At Home-Start London, we will continue to work with our network to amplify family voices and experiences to help raise awareness and drive change for children and families.
- To volunteer with Home-Start in your local community, find out more here
- Donate to Home-Start so that we can reach more families here
- Join our network of corporate partners, find out more here
If you need support or know someone that does, find your local Home-Start here