Poverty -The Facts

Growing up in poverty can affect a child’s physical and cognitive development, health and well-being.
Children born into poverty are more likely to have a lower birth weight, high infant mortality and poorer health than better off children.
The diets of people on low incomes are often nutritionally poor, relying on ‘cheap calories’ from processed low-cost food.
Poor children are 15 times more likely to die in a fire at home than better-off children and three times more likely to be hit by a car.
The correlations between poverty, social class and poor educational experience and attainment have been clearly established.
Although education is free, there are a lot of ‘extras’ that families are expected to pay for. Research carried out in Wales suggests that poor children and young people miss out and are stigmatised because they cannot afford proper school uniform, and have free school meals. Children and young people from poorer families often also miss out on school trips and social activities in school.
People on low incomes often experience debt. Costs of debt repayments often result in families going without essential items. Other costs of debt are those incurred on health, relationships and quality of life.
Conditions such as homelessness and chronic over-crowding significantly impact upon a child’s physical, mental and social development and well-being.