Our Special Projects Manager Jo Moon talks about the issues facing children and families living in poverty.
What does poverty look like?
The dictionary definition of poverty is “the state of being extremely poor”. Another common description is “When a person’s resources are not sufficient to meet their minimum needs”.
But what does poverty look like? What does it feel like? What impact does it have on a child’s day to day life, their health, their wellbeing, their future? How does it feel for a parent or carer to say no to the little things that bring joy to a child’s life just so they can put food on the table?
These are all issues that our new TV advert is aiming to address.
No child should grow up in poverty.
Child poverty looks and feels very different from what many people might expect. It can impact the lives of people we wouldn’t immediately think of – our neighbour, our friend, our colleague. We want to challenge that perception and help people to empathise with the silent struggles that many children, young people, and families are facing right now.
During the cost-of-living crisis, we know many of the children we support have been struggling and we’ve stepped in wherever we can to help families afford the essentials - food bills, or a new fridge. Through this work, we have gained insight into the harsh reality of life for so many families. From parents going without meals to feed their children and trying to survive the coldest snaps of winter with no heating. To feelings of guilt that they were unable to afford the most basic of treats for their child like an ice cream in the summer or a small birthday surprise.
Charlotte
Mum of three
In many cases, despite one or more parents working, the cost-of-living crisis has meant they are unable to make ends meet and are forced to choose between the most basic of provisions: new uniform or a haircut after the school holidays.
How are we helping families?
We are working with children, young people, and parents to continue to develop our Child Poverty Fund, making sure that we’re able to meet the urgent needs of those we support through our services against the daily grind of poverty.
We’ve been providing essential financial support alongside tools and opportunities, to help our colleagues to work together with families to achieve outcomes that go beyond securing the very basic needs of food, warmth, and clothing. Through this work, we will help families to feel empowered to move forward to a brighter future.
How can you help?
As a charity with over 150 years of experience we need your support to help us change the lives of children and young people.
Our new TV advert aims to show the vital role our Barnardo’s support workers play in helping children feel like they belong, know that their voices matter and believe change is possible. We want to inspire others to support us through donations, volunteering, fostering, campaigning and shopping with us.
Because if you can change a childhood, you can change a life.
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No child should grow up in poverty
More than one in four children in the UK are living in poverty and the cost-of-living crisis is making this worse as families struggle to pay their bills.
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Our Strategy
For over 150 years, we’ve been here for children and young people who need us most – bringing love, care and hope into their lives and giving them a place where they feel they belong. We’ll continue to be here for as long as we’re needed – working with children and young people to be safe, happy, healthy and hopeful.
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Need a helping hand? We’ve got you.
See what support is available in your local area or find out more about how we can support you with guidance or information.