On October 17th, the world unites to observe the UN International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, a day dedicated to raising awareness and inspiring action against poverty in all its forms. This year’s theme, “Ending Social and Institutional Maltreatment: Acting Together for Just, Peaceful, and Inclusive Societies,” is a powerful reminder of the urgent need to address poverty at both a social and institutional level.
At Faith in Families Swansea, we see the effects of poverty firsthand. It’s not just a financial struggle—it’s a fight for dignity, respect, and inclusion. Poverty robs children of their futures, families of their hope, and society of its full potential. On this important day, we reaffirm our commitment to stand with families in Swansea Bay and across Wales, advocating for change and working to build a fairer, more inclusive society.
Poverty in Wales: A Growing Crisis
In 2022, a staggering 34% of children in Wales were living in poverty. This is not just a number—it represents tens of thousands of children who are hungry, cold, anxious, and angry. They are barely surviving, let alone thriving.
In Swansea Bay alone, this now translates to approximately 32,500 children aged 0-24 living in real poverty. Even more alarming, this number continues to rise, with even more children now being denied the childhood they rightfully deserve.
These children aren’t just missing out on material comforts—they are missing out on opportunities, security, and the chance to experience the joy and freedom that childhood should bring.
Social and Institutional Maltreatment: The Hidden Side of Poverty
The theme of this year’s UN day shines a light on the often overlooked aspects of poverty—social and institutional maltreatment. Children and families living in poverty are frequently stigmatised, discriminated against, and blamed for their circumstances. This social maltreatment is compounded by institutional barriers, such as discriminatory policies that limit access to essential services like healthcare, education, and housing.
In Swansea Bay, where children live in relative income poverty, these issues are particularly pronounced. Children from poor families are less likely to do well in school, more likely to experience mental health issues, and are at greater risk of becoming economically inactive as adults. This creates a vicious cycle of poverty that is difficult to break.
The Lifelong Impact of Poverty
The consequences of childhood poverty extend far beyond the present moment. If we fail to act, the long-term effects on health, wellbeing, and opportunity are devastating. Children growing up in poverty face higher rates of physical and mental health issues throughout their lives, including arthritis, high blood pressure, respiratory illnesses, and depression. The strain on our healthcare system will only increase if we do not address the root causes of poverty.
Poverty also has a profound impact on future employment opportunities. Research shows that children who grow up in poverty are likely to have 28% lower earnings as adults and are 7% less likely to be employed by the age of 34. This economic exclusion perpetuates the cycle of poverty, making it harder for future generations to escape.
The Way Forward: Acting Together for Change
But there is hope. The situation is dire, but it is not irreversible. By working together as a community, we can offer real, tangible support to the children and families in Swansea and across South Wales. Faith in Families Swansea is committed to providing that support—not just through handouts, but by offering the compassion, care, and respect that every human being deserves.
Our approach is simple: #HugsNotHandouts. We believe in #BuildingBrighterFutures by empowering children and families to overcome the barriers that hold them back. Through our programs, we offer a pathway to education, community support, and personal growth. We see the potential in every child, and we work every day to ensure that they have the opportunity to realise it.
Why We Must Act Now
The clock is ticking. If we don’t extend our support to these children and their families, the consequences will ripple through every part of our society. Our healthcare system, already under immense pressure, will struggle to cope with the long-term health impacts of poverty. Our welfare system will buckle as more people are unable to find stable employment.
But it doesn’t have to be this way. Faith in Families is leading the charge in Swansea Bay to ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive. By supporting our work, you’re not just helping to lift children out of poverty—you’re investing in the future of our entire community. Together, we can create a country where every child, regardless of their background, has the chance to grow, work, and play.
Join Us in the Fight Against Poverty
On this UN International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, we call on everyone in our community to take action. Poverty is not inevitable. It’s a challenge we can meet—together. Let’s not just change lives, let’s have Faith in everyone’s futures.
