Our Policy and Research Officer, Joel Davies, was invited to speak at the annual conference of the Powys Child Poverty Taskforce at The Hafren Theatre at Newtown College on 18 June. The event brought together more than 50 people including local authority staff, frontline support workers and local councillors to share insights and ideas around tackling child poverty in Powys. The theme of the day was ‘Symud Ymlaen’ (Moving Forward).

Joel delivered a presentation covering the latest data tracking the extent and nature of poverty in Wales and insights into levels of child poverty in local communities in Powys. He emphasised that poverty exists in all communities across Wales, not just those identified as the most deprived, and that local strategies which focus on its core drivers have a crucial role in reducing hardship. He also shared some of the most pressing issues the Bevan Foundation plans to continue work on to influence change over the course of the current Senedd term, and at the UK government level.

We were pleased to have the opportunity to learn from and build connections with the people and organisations attending on the day and to be involved in workshops aimed at developing effective responses to poverty in Powys.

Thanks to the Powys Task Force for organising this useful event and for inviting us to take part.