We are thrilled to be working with Save the Children Cymru to co-host the next meeting of our Poverty Stigma Insight Network which will focus on the voices and experiences of young people in relation to poverty stigma in Wales.
The in-person event on 8 May will provide an opportunity for a group of young people from two South Wales schools to share their findings from a research project they have carried out in relation to young people’s experiences of poverty and poverty stigma, and to explore potential policy solutions with policy makers, practitioners, academics, researchers and experts-by-experience.
WCPP senior Research Fellow, Amanda Hill-Dixon said, “We are really looking forward to hearing directly from young people as part of our Poverty Stigma Insight Network and to inform our wider work to understand and tackle poverty stigma in Wales.
“Our Poverty Stigma Insight Network was established last year to influence local and national decision-making in addressing poverty stigma, to raise awareness of stigmatising narratives and practices and challenge myths. It’s vital that the perspectives of young people are sought and understood as part of that process.”
Melanie Simmonds, head of Save the Children Cymru said: “Our core mission is to make sure that we listen and amplify the voices and ideas of children and young people and bring an end to the injustice of child poverty which impacts the lives of one in three children living in Wales.
“The findings of our research project show that children and young people are aware of financial pressures in their households and communities, particularly around the cost of living. The stigma around poverty is also highlighted and how the expectations created by social media and not having enough money to have ‘the right brand or item’ can lead to peer pressure and bullying which can affect children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing and their aspirations.
“It is essential to listen to what children and young people have to say and use their ideas to make things better and we are delighted to be working in partnership to provide them with a platform at this event to share the power of their voice.”
Here is what some of the children and young people who took part in Save the Children Cymru’s Power of Voice research project had to say relating to poverty stigma and its impact on mental health:
“When branded stuff is more expensive then it makes it harder to buy it and that can make them feel inadequate.”
“Because if you have a lack of money then you can get bullied and get stressed because your parents can’t afford things.”
“Give more support to children with mental health problems that is caused by a lack of money in their home.”
WCPP’s Poverty Stigma Insight Network is a UK-wide network of individuals and organisations who have the shared aim of seeking to better understand, prevent and address poverty stigma. It is one strand of WCPP’s broader programme of work to support public services in Wales to understand and address poverty stigma.
This year’s Mental Health Awareness Week takes place between May 12 and 18 with the theme of ‘community’.
Please email info@wcpp.org.uk if you are keen to know more about this project or our other work.