How coronavirus is affecting children in poverty

Children living in poverty are likely to be profoundly affected across the board – socially, emotionally and financially as a result of the coronavirus. Here at Little Village we’ve recently conducted a detailed, snap-shot survey of 131 professionals such as health visitors, midwives, charity professionals and council family support workers who refer low income families to us for support.

During the pandemic, we have seen a 66% rise in demand for our support between mid-March and mid-April. Key findings of the survey suggest professionals believe the direct impact of the crisis on children
living in poverty will be extremely severe. According to respondents:

• 70% agree children will go without essentials e.g. nappies.
• 64% agree children will go hungry.
• 88% agree children will fall behind in developmental/educational terms.
• 81% agree children will be at greater risk of neglect.
• 78% agree children will be at greater of seeing/experiencing abuse.
• 66% point to a negative impact on children’s mental health and behaviour.

Our full press release, detailing the findings, can be read here.

You can also read a post from our CEO, Sophia Parker, about the findings, here.