Experts address impact of austerity on children living in poverty

The impact of austerity measures on children – and work being done to mitigate this – will be addressed at the University of Stirling Taking action on child poverty conference to mark the start of Challenge Poverty Week.

young child sitting alone on a roadside bench

The impact of austerity measures on children – and work being done to mitigate this – will be addressed at a University of Stirling event marking the start of Challenge Poverty Week.

The half-day conference, Taking action on child poverty, has been organised by the University’s Centre for Child Wellbeing and Protection and NSPCC Scotland.

Austerity measures across the UK have led to a sharp increase in the numbers of families – including one in four children – living in poverty in Scotland.

The event, on Monday 1 October, will look at the challenges faced by these families, and some of the work being done to support children, families and practitioners in Scotland and the UK.

 

Head and shoulders shot of woman in red top
Professor Jane Callaghan
Director of the Centre for Child Wellbeing and Protection
Inequalities are a consistent factor making it harder for children and young people to thrive in our society, and poverty represents a significant risk to children's healthy development.

Professor Jane Callaghan, Director of the Centre for Child Wellbeing and Protection, said:
"A government study this week found that one in 10 people in deprived areas of Scotland ran out of food before the end of the month, with younger adults and those with families being hardest hit.

“Inequalities are a consistent factor making it harder for children and young people to thrive in our society, and poverty represents a significant risk to children's healthy development. 

“The half-day event is an opportunity to reflect on this, and to think about ways we can respond effectively to improve children's lives."

The event is open to academics, students and practitioners who work with families in conditions of stress, and who have an interest in poverty alleviation.

Tickets to the conference, which is being held in the University’s Iris Murdoch Building, between 9am and 1.30pm, cost £10. 

Background information

Media enquiries to Rosie Free, Communications Officer, on 01786 466169 or rosemary.free@stir.ac.uk