Charity boss lays bare the hardship North East families face ahead of Child Poverty Summit
by Kali Lindsay · ChronicleLiveA charity boss hopes a child poverty summit will offer long term changes that will lift families out of poverty.
Vic Harper, CEO of The Bread and Butter Thing, said a recent survey of thousands of members revealed families with school-aged children—whether their income comes from work or social support—face immense financial strain. The charity has more than 30 hubs in the North East Combined Authority area, which offer users groceries at just a fraction of the price.
Ms Harper has now spoken out about the critical issues highlighted in the survey ahead of the first Child Poverty Summit being held by North East Mayor Kim McGuinness. It comes after the mayor launched a child poverty reduction unit - the first of its kind in the country - that aims to bring together experts, public bodies and charities to see how the region can tackle the issue.
Ms Harper said: "On Monday, the North East Mayor will put more meat on the bones of her plan to bring down child poverty rates—a mission as urgent as it is overdue. Establishing the new Child Poverty Reduction Unit, the first of its kind, is both a critical and sobering step toward a fairer future for our children.
"The Bread and Butter Thing plays a vital role in addressing these issues offering families affordable food and other resources that improve nutrition and wellbeing. In the North East Combined Authority Area alone, our 34 hubs serve over 21,000 families who live on the front lines of financial hardship.
"Many reside in the country's most economically disadvantaged communities and are eligible for Free School Meals. In the North East region, it is estimated that a heartbreaking seven in 10 children living in poverty come from working families who are striving to make ends meet.
"No-one decides to grow up poor, nor is it an identity anyone chooses."
Ms Harper said the charity's recent survey of 4,000 members found families with school-aged children - whether their income comes from work or social support - face immense financial strain.
She added: "They report that accessing social support can be daunting, with unclear eligibility requirements and lengthy, complicated application forms creating significant barriers. This safety net, intended to offer stability, feels largely out of reach for many who need it most.
"Another critical issue highlighted in the survey is the growing educational divide linked to technology access and suitable spaces for homework. Just under 50% of families surveyed have no access to a tablet.
"While these challenges can often be addressed at a relatively low cost, they have an outsized impact on children's opportunities and sense of inclusion. Ensuring children can access libraries, nutritious meals through breakfast clubs, and helping parents provide balanced diets would empower families to build better lives. Without these resources, we risk deepening divides and stoking further frustrations for communities.
"The North East's reputation for directness reflects a long tradition of speaking up for what's right. We hope this summit will go beyond temporary solutions to offer long term changes that will lift families out of poverty. To do this, we need to make difficult decisions and ensure that voices from every level—both from experts and the families impacted—are heard.
"We stand ready to support this shared mission to end child poverty once and for all. Our children deserve nothing less."
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