“We are clear that we must now transition into a new phase in our fight against poverty in Wales… A new approach is needed which deals with the root causes of poverty … giving children the best start in life.  Investing in our children is an investment for the longer term…”   Carl Sargeant AM & Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Children (14 Feb 2017) 

The reasons families experience poverty are multiple and poverty can impact on children’s lives in multiple ways. Indeed, growing up in poverty can affect every area of a child’s life; their educational achievement, health and their social inclusion. Children who grow up in poverty are more likely to become the parents of the next generation of children living in poverty. Whilst it is recognised that work is the best route out of poverty, 60% of children in poverty in Wales live in a family where at least one person works.  The conference will consider the different issues, challenges and solutions to tackling child poverty in Wales, including the Welsh Government’s plans, post-Communities First, on building Resilient Communities focused on employment, early years and empowerment.

Confirmed Speakers:

• Carl Sargeant, AM & Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Children, Welsh Government
• Helen Barnard – Child Poverty lead spokesperson, Joseph Rowntree Foundation
• Professor Sally Holland – Children’s Commissioner for Wales
• Professor David Egan – Cardiff School of Education, Cardiff Metropolitan University & former chair of the Tackling Poverty External Advisory Group

New Speakers:

• Professor Jonathan Scourfield, CASCADE- Cardiff University
• Sarah Crawley, Director Barnardo’s Cymru
• Sue Mably, Public Health Wales
• Phil Diamond, Theme Lead for Health & Social Care Transformation Team at Torfaen CBC
• Representative from Local Government

Aims of the conference: 

• Review the achievements and challenges of the Welsh Government’s Child Poverty Strategy
• Consider ‘what works’ in child and family poverty that can inform new programmes
• Opportunities for participants to discuss and debate issues in child poverty in Wales
• To share best practice and learn from others on effective ways to tackle the impact of child poverty and improve outcomes for children and young people
• To develop a cohesive voice on the future of tackling child poverty in Wales

As well as Keynote Speakers, we will have a panel of experts from Health, Local Government and Third Sector, to share their ideas on tackling Child Poverty, followed by a Q&A session.

Workshops will include:

• Building resilient partnerships to benefit children living in poverty – National Museums Wales and ACE (Action in Caerau & Ely) Communities First

• Adverse Childhood Experiences – a strengths based approach – Action for Children

• Universal Credit in Wales – working with families – Citizen’s Advice Cymru

• Growing Wales Together – supporting young people from poverty to prosperity – Princes Trust Cymru

• Child poverty and mental health – The Children’s Society

• Using Restorative Engagement to look behind the issues – Tros Gynnal Plant

• Young Wales Workshop – Young people’s perspectives on child poverty – Caerphilly Youth Forum

• Witnessing the impact of poverty on the emotional wellbeing of young people – University of Wales Trinity St David

• Children’s Zones – Children & Families Division, Welsh Government

• The role of Family Point & MEIC helpline in tackling child poverty – Promo Cymru

Who should attend?

• Child and families practitioners from all sectors
• Policy and strategic leads from all sectors
• Managers and practitioners from anti-poverty national programmes including Flying Start, Families First and Communities First
• Local Government policy leads, managers and service deliverers
• Third sector and community organisation representatives
• Health and Social Care professionals
• Schools and Education professionals
• Public Service Board leads
• Housing professionals
• Elected Council Members
• Officers in relevant Welsh Government and National Assembly for Wales departments
• Public bodies
• Youth service leaders and managers
• All professionals with a commitment to improving the wellbeing outcomes of children and families in poverty

Exhibition opportunities will also be available at the conference on a first come first served basis. To receive a booking form please email bookings@childreninwales.org.uk

There will be a cost of £50 to have a stand (in addition to the delegate fee)