For #LDNchallengepoverty week, Family Action asked our Wandsworth stakeholders, ‘What needs to change in your community to ensure that everyone can live with dignity, free from poverty?’. Here’s how they responded…
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“It is unacceptable that so many people in the UK live in poverty. It is estimated that 14.5 million people in the UK are in financial crisis, which represents 22% of the population.
This disproportionately affects children, especially those from Black and minority ethnic groups. Our governing bodies must show our communities more respect and address as a human catastrophe and breach of human rights. Everyone has the right to dignity and a decent life.”
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“More community hubs funded for youth and adults alike. More grass roots support in borough and ensure that all benefit support is given timely allowance and is more person centred, so that people are not feeling stigmatised and shame around the process.”
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“Poverty needs to be changed in all different areas such as education, employment, COL. Call a general election, better housing and building more housing.”
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“It’s quite simple, people need more money. The safety net has been removed, people can have the right benefits in place but it simply isn’t enough to get by.
We support the JRF/Trussell Trust’s proposed policy of the “Essentials Guarantee” whereby every household income is guaranteed not to drop below a certain level. If a benefits ceiling can be put in place, we absolutey need a benefits floor.”
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“Skills & education around cooking and nutrition is needed in Schools.”
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“Making sure the finances are spent not on arms, but to support people in the community and young adults with youth centre and community centres.”
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“Communities coming together more and having more awareness about poverty.”
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“Needs to be grassroots up, that kindness and respect are met from the top and for people to be treated equally with respect.”
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“To give people support and hope.”
