Islington has the 4th highest rate of children living in poverty, after housing costs, in the country.
According to new research by the End Child Poverty Coalition, this means 20,000 local children (47.5%) are growing up in households struggling to make ends meet. This rate has risen sharply in recent years.
Child poverty is becoming the norm in some parts of Britain, with big cities seeing high growth. Around 500,000 more children are having their lives limited by poverty today than at the start of the decade.
Anna Feuchtwang, Chair of the End Child Poverty Coalition, said “[g]rowing up in poverty means growing up trapped. It restricts a child’s chances of doing well at school, of living a healthy and happy life, and of finding well paid work as adults.”
“Yet in many areas growing up in poverty is not the exception it’s the rule with more children expected to get swept up in poverty in the coming years, with serious consequences for their life chances.”
What Islington Giving is doing
This is why we work with inspiring organisations that give local children and families opportunities, advice, and support that help in the short- and long-term.
We support Chance UK in an early intervention programme that gives local children and families space and support to thrive.
Through our Catalyst programme, we give children and families small amounts of money that make a big difference, helping them to pay for things that most people take for granted. From passports, driving licenses, and equipment for work, to family fun like trips to the zoo, theatre, or seaside.
Creating the future with children and young people
Last year we worked with 15 local young people to decide how to invest £80,000 in new activities for children and young people. One project they chose to support was Copenhagen Youth Project, a safe and positive space near Caledonian Road, used by hundreds of under 18s each year. Another was Creative Opportunities, which matches young people with creative mentors to help give them new opportunities.
London Village Network connects local young people with arts and media professionals who volunteer their time to help boost confidence and find routes into work.
And in 2012 we founded the BIG Alliance (Businesses for Islington Giving) which has since opened doors for over 1,000 children and young people by connecting them with some of the borough’s biggest businesses operating in financial services, tech, and media. The BIG Alliance now works in every secondary school in the borough.
You can help
All of our running costs are covered, so 100% of anything you give will be invested in the Islington community.
Give today to help change the lives of children, young people, and families for good in your borough.
