National Lottery backs child poverty programme

A North East family support programme is set to reach thousands more households after securing multi-million-pound funding to expand financial advice services in schools and communities.

More than £2.6 million has been awarded by The National Lottery Community Fund to extend North East mayor Kim McGuinness’ flagship child poverty initiative, with the funding secured through a region-wide partnership led by Citizens Advice Newcastle.

The investment will enable the programme to almost double the number of families it supports, increasing from 2240 to more than 4000 across the region through the North East Child Poverty Partnership.

Delivered by Citizens Advice services across Northumberland, Tyne & Wear and Durham County Council’s Financial Inclusion Support team, the scheme provides advice on benefits, debt, cost of living grants and other financial support to help maximise household incomes.

Since its launch, the programme has helped add almost £2 million to the incomes of families who have received support.

Mayor McGuinness said: “I’m determined that growing up in the North East should never mean going without, which is why we’re taking real action to tackle child poverty here in our region.

“We’ve already seen huge success with this scheme and this extra National Lottery funding means we can set up support for parents in even more communities and schools. 

“That will mean thousands more families can get the help they need, when they need it most. 

“I want the North East to be the best place in the country to raise a family and this is another way we’re achieving that.”

John Mothersole, England committee chair at The National Lottery Community Fund, added: “We’re delighted to be supporting the North East Child Poverty Partnership, which will see a truly life-changing impact to children and families across the North East. 

“We want every child to grow up safe, supported, and hopeful about what lies ahead. 

“That’s why we’re focussing our efforts where the need is greatest, reaching those facing poverty, discrimination, or disadvantage, and tackling the systemic barriers that limit opportunity – so every child, and young person can succeed.”

The successful funding bid was coordinated by Citizens Advice Newcastle on behalf of the regional partnership after organisations were brought together by the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority to strengthen the impact of its original investment.

The expanded programme will continue delivering advice through schools and community settings, making it easier for families to access support while helping tackle child poverty and improve financial resilience across the North East.

Tracy Armstrong, chief officer at Citizens Advice Newcastle, added: “By working with both mayor Kim McGuinness and The National Lottery Community Fund, we can get more resources to frontline advice services, and ultimately make a bigger impact on family welfare.

"Through this enhanced partnership we can now reach more children in need in more places and the commitment of multi-year funding means we can build trust in a service that people can rely on.”

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