Child poverty website piloted in the Valleys

from Wales Online

by Katie Bodinger,

AN INNOVATIVE website to help lift children out of poverty has been piloted and launched in Rhondda Cynon Taf.

Council leader Russell Roberts joined the Minister for Social Justice & Local Government, Dr Brian Gibbons, at the launch of the Child Poverty Solutions Wales website.

The bilingual site was created to offer essential advice, support and information to councils and their partner agencies as they work together to change the future of children and young people, through innovative practice and working within the law.

It also includes training modules for councillors to help them understand the causes and effects of child poverty and how local authorities can tackle the issues.

A first of its kind in Wales, it was vital it was tested by the people who will benefit most from it before being launched across the country.

As a result, following its development by the Save the Children in Wales and the Welsh Local Government Association, it was introduced in a number of authorities, including RCT, for a trial run.

Following its success, the Welsh Assembly Government-funded site was launched at the award-winning Rhydyfelin Integrated Children’s Centre this month.

Mr Roberts, who is also WLGA improvement spokesman, said: “Every child in Wales deserves the best start chances in life and the opportunity to live life to his or her full potential.

“Tackling child poverty is a key priority for every council in Wales and this toolkit shows local authorities’ seriousness and commitment to ensuring the best possible outcomes for the most vulnerable children and young people across their communities.

“Furthermore, it is an example of real partnership working at its best with all partners striving towards the same goal in delivering responsive services for those who need them the most.”

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