"Growing Up in Poverty" report

Click on the image to read the report

The voices of WILD’s babies and young parents can be heard in the annual report from Cornwall’s Director of Public Health, “Growing Up in Poverty” . The report is written in partnership with babies, children, young people and their families, who have shared their experiences of child poverty, and the impact it has on all aspects of their lives.

The report tells us that Cornwall has above-average rates of child poverty, with over 27,000 children in Cornwall living in relative poverty; the equivalent of over a thousand classrooms of children. Of these, over 5,000 are under 5 years old, including many of our WILD babies and toddlers. The experience of poverty in these early years, when good health and development is so vital, can set in motion a lifelong cycle of poverty which passes down the generations; disadvantaged in every area of life, from education and work to health and wellbeing. 

I’m really pleased that the report goes beyond the usual data and numbers, by hearing what poverty really feels like for children; the hardship, shame and stigma, and loss of their hopes and dreams. It calls for us all to take notice, and reminds us that every child has the right to be heard, to be safe, to be healthy, and to thrive. Poverty undermines these rights, and that is a shame on our society.

WILD’s young parent families have shared their experiences as part of the report; of being tired and hungry, running out of nappies, or electric, or clothing; of not being able to put your baby to sleep in a safe space; of constant worry. They also tell us what it feels like not to be able to decorate a room or buy a toy or gift for your child. And our WILD children’s team have shared  the voices of babies; what it must feel like if your clothes are too small, or your tummy is empty, or your mummy is upset because she can’t keep you warm.

At WILD we want a fair start for the babies of young parents. It’s not fair that their health and development will suffer because of poverty, through no fault of their families. Child poverty is an issue for all of us, and I’m proud to join our babies, young parents, and public health colleagues, to call for action to uphold the rights of all children to be free from poverty and have a fair start at life.

-Jo Davies, CEO