GOVERNMENT policy advisors have seen how one Ashton-under-Lyne group is helping tackle poverty.
And the Smallshaw-Hurst Children’s Community (SSH CC) may help form strategic policies on its reduction.
Alasdair De Costa and Frances McCellan heard first-hand accounts of how poverty and the cost-of-living crisis impact families and the young people of Tameside daily in a meeting at Ashton Sixth Form College on Wednesday, November 27.
SSH CC, formed in 2016, works to empower children, young people, and families in the Smallshaw-Hurst area, where 31 per cent of children live in income-deprived households – 14 per cent above the national average – and life expectancy is notably lower than the national average.
This discussion, in partnership with Save the Children UK and the Government’s Child Poverty Taskforce, was one of 19 consultations across England which aim to inform the UK Child Poverty Strategy, which will be unveiled in Spring.
Locally, such consultations will include focus groups with local schoolchildren, parent champions, senior leaders from Great Academy Ashton and Ashton Sixth Form College, and representatives from key organisations such as Tameside Council, Debt Justice Manchester and Jigsaw Housing.
Julie Wilson, executive lead at SSH CC, highlighted the significance of listening to lived experiences.
She said: “For policies to succeed, decision-makers must engage directly with those impacted.
“At SSH CC, we aim to help children and families break the cycle of poverty and achieve their full potential.
“Having the opportunity to host two Senior Policy Advisors in the Child Poverty Taskforce is incredibly important for Smallshaw-Hurst Children’s Community and Tameside.
“It allows us to share the lived experiences of children and families in our community directly with policymakers.
“Our key message is clear – effective policies must empower families to thrive, not just survive, by addressing the root causes of poverty, improving access to support, and ensuring children have the best opportunities to reach their full potential.”
Ashton Sixth Form College’s involvement underscored Stamford Park Trust’s aims, which include influencing policy changes through strong partnerships with organisations like Smallshaw-Hurst and championing community initiatives.
Anton McGrath, chief executive of Stamford Park Trust and chair of Smallshaw-Hurst Children’s Community, added: “This meeting is an important step in finding the right policy solutions to support children and families who find themselves living in poverty.
“It is essential that decision makers and policy writers hear directly from those affected by current policy, so the reasons why families and children are held back from reaching their potential can be identified and used to design more supportive measures in future.”