Caritas Salford calls for urgent help for children facing poverty

Catholic charity Caritas Salford is calling for urgent support for children in extreme poverty, as new data revealed the problem is worsening and many children are arriving at school with holes in their shoes.

Caritas Salford’s 2024 child poverty report If not us, then who? highlighted rising child poverty and mental health needs. The report, based on responses from leaders of Catholic schools across the Diocese of Salford, revealed that 330,000 children are affected by poverty in Salford and surrounding areas.

New evidence from school leaders shows these pressures are worsening. Caritas Salford explained that school leaders shared how “poverty has become more visible, with children coming to school with holes in their shoes, and without enough food to make it through the school day”.

Director of Caritas Salford, Patrick O’Dowd, told The Tablet: “Every day, our teams are sadly meeting children and young people who are experiencing heartbreaking levels of poverty. It’s devastating to come into contact with those whose young lives are being impacted so severely.”

Caritas Salford, a charity from the Diocese of Salford running anti-poverty services across Greater Manchester and Lancashire, supports schools to reduce the impact and stigma of poverty.

The charity shared the concerns expressed by school leaders with The Tablet concerning child poverty. One headteacher said their role “mirrors the role of a social worker more each day as the needs of our children and families increase”. Another leader added: “Poverty isn’t always easy to see, as parents can be very proud.” One said that teaching amounts to around 20 per cent of their daily work.

Other school leaders highlighted problems with mental health support. One said: “Provision for mental health support is insufficient and thresholds very high for students who would benefit from additional support.”

Another leader said: “We have increased interventions for those struggling with poor mental health, but this is not really coping with increased demand.”

Responding to the crisis, Caritas Salford is calling for free school meals for all primary aged children, an end to the benefit cap and a protected minimum amount of Universal Credit to cover essentials for families. They also want affordable and accessible private rented homes.

Patrick O’Dowd said solutions would come from deeper collaboration between charities, public bodies and religious groups, adding: “Catholic Social Teaching reminds us we are fundamentally interconnected. Decision makers need to make child poverty a priority.”

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