Every child deserves a good start
Today, 4 million children are living in poverty across the UK. We work alongside families with lived experience of poverty so they can speak up, influence decision-makers and push for lasting change. Their experiences show that child poverty is not inevitable. With the right support, investment and political choices, every child can have the opportunity to flourish.
No child should have to go hungry because their family’s finances takes a hit. No child should struggle to concentrate at school because there isn’t enough for breakfast. No child should miss out on nursery, school trips, or the everyday chances to learn, play and discover what’s possible. With living costs and childcare rising, any family can fall on hard times.
Children should be at the heart of the choices governments make.
Together, we're calling for action that tackles child poverty, supports families and gives every child the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Learn how we're working alongside children, communities and decision-makers to help end child poverty in the UK.
What happens when young people take control of how their stories are told?
Don't Let Poverty Hold Children Back puts children's voices front and centre. Written by a group of young people in Save the Children's network with experience of poverty. The story in the film marks the crucial moments in children’s lives and reveals what could be different if they’re just given the support they need. Together, they are calling for action to ensure no child is held back by poverty and every child has a fair chance to achieve their dreams.
Every Child Deserves a Childhood With No Limits
In 2024, we were invited by the Government to support engagement with families on their Child Poverty Strategy around ‘Better Local Support.’ Since then, we’ve released a brand-new campaign called No Limits to Childhood. Drawing on the experiences of children, young people, families and local practitioners, the campaign calls on the government to do 3 practical things for children; scrap the two-child limit, commit to a ‘child lock’ and deliver a strong child poverty strategy with targeted support and real solutions that tackle the root causes of poverty.
Child poverty is not inevitable. With the right investment, support and political choices, we can remove barriers, unlock children's potential and create a fairer future where every child has a genuine opportunity to flourish.
What would it take to create lasting change for children?
Child Lock sets out a vision for reducing child poverty in the UK through sustained investment in children's lives. Inspired by the pensions triple lock, we’re campaigning for the UK government to be ambitious and ensure support for children keeps pace with rising costs and that investment in services such as education, housing and children's mental health is protected.
COVID-19 inquiry
We have been involved in two modules of the Covid-19 Inquiry as a Core Participant along with Just for Kids Law and the Children’s Rights Alliance for England to ensure children's experiences are heard and learned from. The inquiry published a report from its second module, which included two key recommendations we put forward: the use of children’s rights impact assessments in times of crisis, and the inclusion of socio-economic status within equality impact assessments. This latter recommendation was based on evidence submitted to the inquiry showing the pandemic had a disproportionate impact on children from low-income households and/or those affected by discrimination and structural inequality.
School holiday support for families
For many families, the summer holidays can be a lot to juggle. When school finishes, free school meals stop, childcare costs can go up, and some of the support families rely on during term time suddenly isn't there. In fact, 88% of parents told us the summer holidays put extra financial and emotional pressure on family life in our 2026 Save the Children's Big Summer Survey .
That's why we've put together some practical support, from free activities and information about financial help you might be entitled to, or how to talk to your kids when things feel tough. No judgement. Just useful support when you need it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does poverty affect children?
Poverty can affect nearly every part of a child's life. Children may find it harder to concentrate at school, take part in activities with friends, access opportunities that help them learn and grow, or feel confident about the future.
Families tell us about the pressure of trying to stretch limited budgets while meeting children's needs. Children tell us about the impact of going without, feeling excluded, or worrying about family finances. Over time, these experiences can affect wellbeing, learning and future opportunities.
Can a child experience poverty even if their parents work?
Yes. 72% of children living in poverty are in working households. Poverty can affect families whether parents are in work or not. Many families work hard to provide for their children but still struggle with the rising cost of essentials such as housing, food, childcare and energy bills.
Unfortunately, right now having a job does not always mean financial security. No child should be held back by circumstances beyond their control, which is why change is needed to ensure every family has the support they need to thrive.
What is Save the Children doing to tackle child poverty in the UK?
Save the Children works alongside children, families, communities and decision-makers to help tackle child poverty and its causes.
Our Family Grants programme offers flexible vouchers for essentials like food, clothing and household items to struggling families. Since 2021 we’ve supported more than 21,000 children across the UK. We strengthen partnerships between parents, schools, nurseries, GPs, food pantries, health visitors, local organisations, and family support workers to make sure there are no gaps for children to fall through.
We research to find the most impactful policy changes that would make the UK a fairer place for all children. Then we campaign alongside children, parents, and volunteers to persuade the government to put them in place; our recent wins include expanding free school meals in England and scrapping the two-child limit to benefits.
Why are children's voices important in tackling poverty?
Children understand better than anyone how poverty affects their daily lives. Their experiences provide valuable insight into the challenges families face and the changes that would help make childhood better.
Across our campaigns and policy work, children and young people have shared their ideas, experiences and recommendations directly with decision-makers. When children are listened to, policies and services are more likely to reflect the realities of children's lives and create lasting change.
