New report on families’ experiences of poverty and services

Date: 16th December 2021
Category: Child poverty

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includem has launched its Voices Report, which focusses on families’ experiences of poverty and services and calls for children, young people and families having a say in what services are needed, how they are developed and how they can be delivered.

This work was developed with peer researchers with lived experience of includem’s services, allowing families to share their views with honesty and openness – from experiences of stigma and the feelings of shame; facing complex challenges including in trauma and with neurodiversity; and finding value in relationships based in trust and humour. This study highlights how research and positive change can be made with people, instead of to them.

Key recommendations include:

• Children, young people and family support services must take into account and mitigate the wider economic and social factors impacting wellbeing.
• Services should be built on relationship-based practice & working with the whole family – where and when they need it.
• Addressing gaps in service provisions and greater partnership working are necessary to support families to overcome complex challenges.
• Investment in & support of the workforce are critical to enable them to undertake this highly valuable and skilled work.

Read the full Voices Report here.