Families across the North East will benefit from a major expansion in one of North East Mayor Kim McGuinness’s flagship programmes to tackle child poverty - providing financial and benefits advice in community settings - after more than £2.6 million from The National Lottery Community Fund was secured through a region-wide partnership
The already life-changing programme has seen nearly £2 million added to families income for those who’ve received support, and now as a result of the National Lottery funding, the number of families supported is set to almost double – rising from 2,240 to over 4,000 through the North East Child Poverty Partnership.
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness, said: “I’m determined that growing up in the North East should never mean going without, which is why we’re taking real action to tackle child poverty here in our region.
“We’ve already seen huge success with this scheme and this extra National Lottery funding means we can set up support for parents in even more communities and schools. That will mean thousands more families can get the help they need, when they need it most. I want the North East to be the best place in the country to raise a family and this is another way we’re achieving that.”
The programme, delivered in school and community settings by Citizens Advice services across Northumberland, Tyne & Wear, and by Durham County Council’s Financial Inclusion Support team, sees advisors work with families on benefit support, cost of living grants, debt advice, and wider help to maximise their incomes.
John Mothersole, England Committee Chair at The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “We’re delighted to be supporting the North East Child Poverty Partnership, which will see a truly life-changing impact to children and families across the North East. We want every child to grow up safe, supported, and hopeful about what lies ahead. That’s why we’re focussing our efforts where the need is greatest, reaching those facing poverty, discrimination, or disadvantage, and tackling the systemic barriers that limit opportunity – so every child, and young person can succeed.”
The funding was awarded following a successful bid led by Citizens Advice Newcastle on behalf of the regional partnership, after providers were brought together by the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority to maximise the impact of its original investment.
Tracy Armstrong, Chief Officer at Citizens Advice Newcastle, said: “By working with both Mayor Kim McGuinness and The National Lottery Community Fund, we can get more resources to frontline advice services, and ultimately make a bigger impact on family welfare.
"Through this enhanced partnership we can now reach more children in need in more places and the commitment of multi-year funding means we can build trust in a service that people can rely on.”
Support and advice are free of charge and available to all North East residents, for more information on how to access, please contact your local provider: