St Ives Church
I was shocked to read these figures relating to child poverty in England (2023-2024 data):
- 4.5 million children were living in poverty
- 49% of children from Black and Asian communities are in poverty, compared to 24 per cent of white children
- 65% of Bangladeshi children and 59% of Pakistani children live below the poverty line
- 9 children in an average classroom of 30 (31%) are living in poverty
- 44% of children in poverty live in a family where someone is disabled
- 900,000 children in poverty in England alone miss out on free school meals
As someone who grew up in poverty, was homeless and lived in horrible B&Bs and temporary accommodation for a proportion of my life, I know how difficult this can be. I am fortunate enough now, to be in a position where I can help others who are facing similar difficulties.
As you know, St Ives is very special to me and is somewhere that brings me a lot of peace and joy and a place I am very happy to escape to. I have many friends in St Ives that work with the local community and I am able to support their work and the community through donations. I read about the poverty in Cornwall, and the struggles that residents face and knew that this is something I could help with in some way. This quote from the linked article about a food bank in Cornwall, really struck me:
“When the foodbank was first set up, four families (or 16 clients) came through the door that year. Now it’s 180 people that the foodbank helps every week. Around Christmas time that figure goes up to 240 people a week because of the additional referrals from social services from struggling families during the festive season.”
Throughout the year I work with St Ives Church, the Salvation Army and St Ives RFC by providing funds so that children can take part in activities that all children should have the privilege of enjoying. This included:
- Table Tennis Table – enjoyed by the young people
- Community Easter Egg Hunt – a free event, children receive an easter egg and book, refreshments, crafts and activities for around 70 children
- Summer Celebration – bouncy castles, surf simulator, temporary tattoos, hot dogs, refreshments, games and crafts for over 150 people
- Play Café – a hot healthy meal for attendees and free refreshments during the summer holidays for around 60 children per session
- Halloween party at St Ives RFC
I hope that my support has made a difference to the lives of the children in St Ives, even if it makes the children’s day a little happier and their parents’ day a little easier then I am happy that I have helped.