An event to address Derby’s rising child poverty takes place in the city later this month.
The Derby Child Poverty Summit has been co-ordinated by Paul Brookhouse – manager of city charity, Derby Food 4 Thought Alliance, on behalf of the Derby Poverty Commission and will meet at Derby County’s Pride Park Stadium on Thursday 25th April.
Figures from the End Child Poverty Report 2023 revealed that 47.6 per cent of children living in the city suburbs of Normanton, Arboretum, Sinfin, Alvaston, Chellaston, Shelton Lock and Sunny Hill, are deprived. The report will also highlight that 38 per cent of children in Derby City are living in poverty, which is higher than the national average – and the number is rising.
Paul Brookhouse, who is deputy chair of the Derby Poverty Commission, said: “We are experiencing the biggest percentage rise in child poverty in recent times. Poverty has been shown to manifest itself in numerous ways, and some children in a household experiencing poverty could also be living in a household with mental health, wellbeing, and other socio-economic challenges. These issues compound the detrimental effects that children in poverty experience. The cost of living has significantly impacted working families too.”
The Derby Child Poverty Summit – which is the first of its kind in Derby, is a collaborative initiative from the Child Poverty Subgroup of the newly-formed Resilience Board – which is being delivered alongside the Derby Poverty Commission.
Up to two hundred people are expected to attend the event at 9.30am, which aims to unite leaders from all sectors, stakeholders, and local residents.
Paul said: “Last week, we came across a nine-year-old girl who was putting apples from school in her bag in case her mum didn’t have any food when she got home.
“To put an end to child poverty, we need a long-term strategic plan with brave decisions and solutions but whilst this is developed, we need to generate short-term ideas which will help to mitigate child poverty. This event will share good practices and projects. It will also raise awareness about the escalating rates of child poverty, whilst fostering a shared commitment to instigating an anti-child poverty movement, and collaborative initiatives. We need to map, promote, and seek, positive proactive work already taking place across the city.”