ORGANISATIONS from across the region have met for the first time, to turn shared ambition into regional action on tackling child poverty.

At a meeting of the West of England’s new Child Poverty Partnership Board co-chaired by Helen Godwin, mayor of the West of England, members discussed the ambitions set out in the Child Poverty Action Plan launched in December, to leverage any support available to the combined authority and regional partners in four priority areas.

These include: reducing the cost of living for families, supporting children to grow, learn and thrive, connecting young people to opportunities and services, and pioneering new approaches for children and families.

The board, made up of key stakeholders from across education, the voluntary sector, local government, health and police, will meet quarterly to track the progress and delivery of the Child Poverty Action Plan. They will explore investment opportunities and new funding sources, consider shared data and evidence and provide a clear forum for partners to raise issues that the mayor can champion with government.

Ms Godwin, mayor of the West of England, said: “Today’s first meeting of the West of England Child Poverty Partnership board focused on one shared goal: giving every child and young person in our region a real chance to thrive. Child poverty in the West of England is not an abstract problem.

“Across our region, around 67,000 children are growing up in poverty after more than a decade of austerity. Many are arriving at school too hungry to learn or play.

“That must change, and those numbers will begin to fall dramatically with the welcome abolition of the two-child benefit cap.

“Working alongside our fantastic partners from charities, in education and training, local government, health and emergency services, we can build a better future where every child can have the best possible start in life.”

Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council, Cllr Kevin Guy, said: “Tackling child poverty will take the work of all local councils at every level, working closely alongside the West of England Combined Authority and the many fantastic organisations right across our region.

“We are committed to delivering real change and the first meeting of the West of England Child Poverty Partnership board is a step towards improving the life chances of children in the West.

“Partnership matters and through collaboration we can tackle the root causes of poverty head-on, taking action to pioneer new approaches to support those who need it most.”

West of England Child Poverty Partnership co-chair and founder of FareShare South West, Andy Street, said: “I’m delighted that the West of England Child Poverty Partnership board is in place, and it’s a privilege to be part of it.

“It grieves me that so many children across our region are struggling, and my longing is that the board is able to contribute towards addressing this challenge.

“Our children deserve every opportunity to thrive and realise their potential, and that’s my hope – they are our future, and we need to support them in every way we can.”