It is estimated by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation that around 14.5 million people in the UK, including 4.3 million children, currently live in poverty. The recent pandemic has only served to exacerbate existing problems for disadvantaged families already struggling. In the current economic climate, with prices soaring, vulnerable families are expected to be hit the hardest, putting even more pressure on local services. While the road ahead appears difficult, recent policies and initiatives, such as the Government’s Supporting Families Programme, have enhanced support for disadvantaged families. Public and voluntary sector professionals can build upon this ongoing positive work to improve collaboration in local and nationwide services to provide disadvantaged families with the high-quality support they need at the right time.

• It is predicted that 1.3 million more people will be in absolute poverty by 2023, including 500,000 children, as found by the Resolution Foundation
• In 2020 49 per cent of children in lone-parent families were in poverty, according to the Child Poverty Action Group
• The number of children eligible for free school meals in 2021 was 1.9 million, a rise of nearly 160,000 from 2020, according to Government data
• National Energy Action estimates that 5.9 million low-income and financially vulnerable households will be in fuel poverty by April 2023.

Join us at this one day online event to hear experts from across the public and voluntary sectors discuss the most up-to-date policies and initiatives for delivering effective, high-quality support for disadvantaged families. Engage with best practice case studies addressing key challenges such as overcoming barriers to education for disadvantaged pupils, implementing family hub services, and improving access to mental health services for vulnerable families. You will also have the opportunity to network with senior colleagues to discuss common challenges you face as well as solutions to improve systems of support for disadvantaged families.

Why attend:
• High level keynotes on the latest initiatives in supporting disadvantaged families from experts and policymakers
• Case studies showcasing best practice in partnership working between local charities and authorities to provide support
• A wide range of topics including early intervention strategies, financial inclusion, providing secure housing, and accessible mental health support
• Network with senior colleagues from across the public sector
• CPD (gain 8 hours of CPD points towards your yearly quota).

This is a live event taking place online:
• Access a full live event with 8 hours of CPD points from home
• Network and connect with colleagues in breakout networking sessions and the meeting hub
• Interact with speakers through live Q&A and networking
• Review event materials and presentations post-event.