‘Listen to us More’
“Listen to us more"; that was the message to politicians from children and young people from our Power of Voice project as they demand an end to child poverty.
They helped us to gather the experiences of children and young people living in areas with high levels of poverty across Wales and shared their solutions on how to change things for the better now and for future generations.
Their words catapulted me back eighteen years to 2007 when I first joined Save the Children Cymru, and we had just launched a report called ‘Listen Up’ based on the experiences and suggestions of children on how to tackle child poverty.
The similarities in both reports are stark outlining the exact same challenges children face within their communities regarding lack of opportunities and access to safe places to play and youth clubs, affordable or free transport and how putting more money in families’ pockets can make a difference to their lives.
In a nutshell they are telling us that nothing has changed in nearly twenty years. A real wakeup call when one in three children experience poverty in Wales. That’s ten children in every classroom in Wales. And figures are set to rise.
When we look at it like that, we can see how wrong this is and it’s no wonder that many people feel overlooked and ignored by politicians and let down by an economy that simply isn’t working for all.
Why the 2026 Senedd election matters
The choices the next Welsh Government makes will shape whether Wales continues to accept child poverty, or whether we build a future where every child has a fair start.
Children have told us directly about the challenges they face and the changes they want to see made and their voices have shaped the calls in our manifesto.
What the next government in Wales needs to do
To achieve this, the next government must put money in families’ pockets and ensure they can pay for basics such as food, household bills or nappies. Parents want the best for their children, but financial hardship forces impossible choices. Too many children are missing out on things that should be part of every childhood: school trips, sports, music, and the chance to play and spend time with friends. When some children can join in while others cannot, the result is exclusion and inequality that can last a lifetime.
Families must be able to access the support they’re entitled to, quickly and fairly. A purposeful Welsh system, including a dedicated Child Payment, can remove barriers and provide financial security to thousands of families. We are also calling for a Fair Play Fund to be set up so that every child in Wales can join in sports and music to clubs and trips, extracurricular activities are vital for children’s wellbeing, confidence, and development.
To tackle child poverty effectively, the next Welsh Government must also ensure that services are better connected, trusted, and designed to meet the real needs of families. From financial support, housing and childcare to mental health services, family support, schools, play and youth provision, families should experience services that are easy to navigate, consistent, and there when they need them most.
We are calling for free school meals to be extended to all children in families receiving Universal Credit or equivalent benefits while moving to universal provision for all pupils and to guarantee them for those who need it during school holidays too. Public transport also needs to be free for all children so every child can reach school, activities and opportunities safely and affordably. And the impact of poverty on children’s mental health needs to be acknowledged and addressed with statutory obligations so local services deliver the right support for children and families.
It's also imperative that we give children a real say in shaping their futures. When children’s insights are treated as expertise, and families are involved in designing solutions, policies are not only fairer but more effective. Locally led solutions are more trusted, more relevant, and better at tackling the real barriers families face every day.
Childhood only happens once. We need to get it right because when our children thrive, so does Wales.
Save the Children Cymru’s manifesto based on the calls of children and young people to #ListenToUsMore is available here in English and Welsh
