Young voices lead the way at Child Poverty Task Force Conference

20 June 2025

Pupils from Ysgol Golwg y Cwm made a strong impression at Powys County Council's third annual Child Poverty Task Force Conference last week, challenging the council and its partners to do more to tackle child poverty across the county.

In a session led by Child Poverty Action Group, the children shared their experiences and perspectives of poverty, offering powerful insights that set the tone for a day of reflection, learning, and action.

Their voices underscored the urgency of the work ahead and were met with a strong commitment from council leaders to listen, respond, and deliver meaningful change.

Held at the historic Welfare Hall in Ystradgynlais on Thursday 12 June, the conference brought together professionals, community leaders, and public sector partners to review progress and plan future action. Key national organisations including NSPCC Cymru and the Wales Centre for Public Policy also attended the conference.

The conference celebrated the achievements of the past year, including the delivery of community-led projects funded by £90,000 from the Welsh Government. These included family cooking sessions in Ysgol Golwg y Cwm, literacy events in Llandrindod Wells, and youth engagement activities across the county.

The council also informed delegates about that it had secured a further £125,000 from the Welsh Government's Child Poverty Innovation and Supporting Communities Grant Scheme. This funding will support:

• A Young Persons' Engagement Officer to ensure children and young people's voices shape future support.
• A new Poverty Truth Commission, named "Speak Truth To Powys", to bring lived experience into policymaking.
• An Essential Support Scheme to provide urgent help with food, clothing, and other necessities.

Cllr Matthew Dorrance, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for a Fairer Powys, said: "Our third Child Poverty Task Force Conference was incredibly informative and inspiring.

"We heard directly from young people about their experiences of poverty in Powys, and they've challenged us to do more. I'm taking that challenge back to County Hall, and I'll work with councillors and staff to ensure we deliver real change.

"With our partners, communities, and new Welsh Government funding, we're committed to building a fairer Powys where every child has the opportunity to succeed."