A pioneering new project will help to remove the barriers that prevent low-income families from accessing a range of resources, activities and support at their local library.

While libraries across the country offer a host of free resources, from books and computers to wellbeing events and activities for all age groups, they are often under utilised by low-income families in their communities.

In partnership with Libraries Connected, the membership body for public libraries, charity Children North East hope its unique Poverty Proofing® methodology will help us to understand the reasons why, with aim of removing these barriers.

Funded by a grant of £49,770 from Arts Council England, Children North East will carry out a full Poverty Proofing® audit of libraries in three English local authorities.

The project will begin in Gateshead and involve in-depth discussions with staff and library users, as well as with people in the community affected by poverty who don’t currently use the libraries, and “mystery shopper” visits.

This qualitative research will be combined with existing evidence to develop a series of bespoke recommendations that will help the libraries sector to improve access, participation, experience and long-term engagement for low-income families.

There will also be wider poverty awareness training for library workers, leadership sessions to explore how library services can integrate poverty awareness into their strategic planning, and resources for library services elsewhere to use in their own communities.

Isobel Hunter MBE, Chief Executive of Libraries Connected, said:

“There’s growing evidence that public libraries play a vital role in supporting early literacy and communications skills, helping young children prepare for and thrive at school. But families from the most deprived backgrounds are less likely to visit libraries, even though they are free and open to all. We’re excited to be working with Children North East to find those extra costs, unseen inequalities and experiences of exclusion that could prevent families making the most of their local library.”

Chloe MacLellan, Poverty Proofing Culture Manager at Children North East, said:

“Libraries can be lifelines for families experiencing poverty, offering free access to learning, culture, and support. But sometimes barriers—such as hidden costs or stigma—can discourage access to these essential community spaces. We are delighted to be working with Libraries Connected and Arts Council to help identify and remove those barriers, making sure that libraries truly are a welcoming and accessible resource for every child and family, regardless of their background.”

Councillor Catherine Donovan, deputy leader of Gateshead Council, said:

“It’s without a doubt that for many, our libraries are the hubs of our communities, offering essential resources and a place to socialise and meet others at a range of activities, events and support groups all year round.

“However, this offer may not be as widely known about or as easily accessible as we’d hope. Understanding the barriers to our low-income communities is vital to help ensure everyone in Gateshead can access the warm welcome received when you walk through the doors of our libraries, be it for the first time or the 100^th time.

“We’re proud to be the first of three local authorities participating in this innovative new project with Libraries Connected and Children North East, which has the potential to change the lives of many for the better.”

Luke Burton, Director Libraries, Arts Council England said:

“We know that the services provided by libraries are vital to so many in their communities but also that some people face difficulty in accessing them. I’m pleased that the Arts Council has been able to provide funding for Libraries Connected and Children North East to look at the barriers stopping some families from experiencing everything that libraries have to offer. I look forward to seeing the results of the pilots and to everyone, regardless of their background, being confident in using their local library.”

Notes

For media enquiries and interviews please contact James Gray, Communications and Advocacy Manager at Libraries Connected by emailing [email protected] or calling 07849085762. Alternatively, reach out to Children North East on [email protected] or via the contact form.

Libraries Connected

We are an independent charity that supports, promotes and represents public libraries. Our work is driven and led by our membership, which includes every library service in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Crown Dependencies. As well as providing practical support, training and advice to libraries, we represent them to government and raise their profile in the media. We also develop and lead national library projects with a range of cultural, academic and corporate partners. Part of our core funding in England comes from Arts Council England to help libraries embed their Investment Principles.

www.librariesconnected.org.uk

Arts Council England

Arts Council England is the national development agency for creativity and culture. We have set out our strategic vision in Let’s Create that by 2030 we want England to be a country in which the creativity of each of us is valued and given the chance to flourish and where every one of us has access to a remarkable range of high-quality cultural experiences. From 2023 to 2026 we will invest over £467 million of public money from Government and an estimated £250 million from The National Lottery each year to help support the sector and to deliver this vision. This year the National Lottery will celebrate 30 years of supporting good causes in the United Kingdom through raising £49 billion and awarding over 690,000 individual grants since the first draw was held in 1994. Visit our website to learn more.

Children North East

Since 1891, Children North East have helped to transform the lives of babies, children, young people and families across the North East region.

In challenging circumstances, their teams are there to provide compassionate, expert support, often when there is nowhere else to turn for help.

Gateshead Libraries

Gateshead Libraries and Heritage service has a diverse offer across the borough.

The statutory library offer comprises of 8 libraries, which include Gateshead Central Library and libraries in Birtley, Blaydon, Chopwell, Crawcrook, Leam Lane, Pelaw and Wrekenton.

In addition, services are delivered in a range of other community venues through partnership working. Find out more at Libraries – Gateshead Council.

Unfortunately, challenges faced by families don’t go away during the festive season which is why our teams, supporters and volunteers work year round to deliver our life-changing services.

This year, we were delighted to welcome a very special guest and our long-time Patron, Tim Healy, for a visit to our Boogie Bairns session at Cowgate. Tim has been a supporter of Children North East for close to 30 years and our cause has always been close to his heart. He continues to work with us to create real change in our region for babies, children and young people.

This was an opportunity for him to connect with our Communities Team to learn more about the incredible work they do with children, young people and families at our Cowgate Hub and speak with our CEO, Leigh Elliott, about our exciting plans for 2025.

He didn’t just come for a cuppa and a catch up though! Tim spent quality time with some of the children, parents, carers and grandparents that use our services, rolling up his sleeves and helping run the Boogie Bairns alongside our Families Coordinator, Alex Kirkpatrick, and put his acting skills to good use reading a story to the children. His visit truly brightened everyone’s day and meant so much to those involved.

See some of our favourite snaps from the day!

Our Cowgate centre runs sessions every weekday, and delivers special events like our Family Fun Days and Beach Trip throughout the year, as well as offering space to partner programs allowing the community to access much needed services on their doorstep. With our Cafe Hope serving hot meals and drinks as well, this truly is a hub at the heart of the community for all.

However, this and all the work we do can only be made possible with the generosity from our supporters, whether it’s one off donations or fundraising events, every penny raised helps up deliver life-changing services to babies, children and young people in the North East. Currently, our teams are seeing some of the most challenging times in memory, with services providing life-changing support such as mental health interventions, help for families in crisis and access to support groups all oversubscribed; whilst traditional funding to meet the demand is scarcer than ever. This Christmas, consider donating to our Be a Lifeline campaign, where you’re not just giving a gift for December – you’re providing a future filled with hope.

Donate to Be a Lifeline now

The 10 Years of Poverty Proofing® Conference, held this month at Newcastle’s iconic Discovery Museum was a resounding success, bringing together over 160 policy-makers, researchers and practitioners from across the UK to share learnings from the last decade.  

Organised by Children North East, which launched the project in 2024, the event featured an inspiring lineup of speakers, engaging panel discussions and case studies.  

Poverty Proofing supports organisations to understand how those living in poverty may struggle to participate in key life experiences, such as education, healthcare and cultural experiences. The event was made possible thanks to funding from Kavli Trust, which has been a significant supporter of Poverty Proofing. 

Attendees enjoyed thought-provoking sessions led by prominent figures, including Former Children’s Commissioner for England Anne Longfield, who provided a passionate keynote speech on how we all had a role to play as “warriors for the kids” and asked the audience to help shape a generation that has equal opportunities, no matter their financial background. 

Leigh Elliott, Chief Executive at Children North East shared the photographs of poverty taken by children that built the foundations for this now nationally recognised project, explaining “the images along with the stories started to build up a picture of what poverty really meant for these young people, feelings of loneliness, isolation – not a place you would thrive in”. 

From that origin story, the conference went on to offer diverse and expert perspectives on how unintentional financial barriers can and have been successfully removed. Examples of success stories include making recycled diabetes technology available to patients and changing how homework is set so pupils without internet access can still participate. 

Across 14 speeches and breakout sessions, 27 presenters shared their work in this space including representatives of many organisations, including the National Trust, North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board, Stockport Council and  Partnerieath. 

Panel discussions featured lively debate about how different groups could collaborate to achieve lasting change in the fight against poverty, with experts such as John Beeley from Tees Valley Museums and Amanda Bailey from North East Child Poverty Commission sharing their experiences. The interactive workshops allowed participants to delve deeper into their own organisation’s practices, gaining practical skills and insights they can apply in their work. 

A highlight of the event was a presentation from a group of Young Ambassadors for Poverty Proofing, who presented a new children’s book they have written called ‘Blue’s Sad Day’, sharing stories of what it is like to be poor at school. One guest shared the moment with a tweet reading “Wonderful to hear from children and young people. A hard listen at times, but one which creatively captured the lived reality for far too many children at this time.” 

Feedback from guests included: “I can’t deny the atmosphere of hope, confidence and collaboration was so enjoyable to be in the midst of”, that they enjoyed the “friendly open atmosphere from knowledgeable, empathic people” and that there was a “great mix of plenary and more intimate sessions” with “some inspirational discussions”. 

As the conference concluded, plans to revisit the impact of the event next year were already underway, promising to capture the ripple effect of learnings and continue to build on the movement Poverty Proofing has created. 

Continuing almost twenty years of support, Robertson Construction North East has donated the construction of a new outdoor covered play space for Newcastle-based kids charity Children North East.

Children North East creates “life-changing differences for babies, children and young people” and Robertson has been involved with the charity since 2007, particularly raising money for its annual Charity Ball and for many years sponsoring its Sandcastle Challenge event on South Shield Beach.

The charity came to long-term supporter Martin Westgate, Business Development Director, Robertson Construction North East as it needed help in transforming the outdoor area at its Cowgate Community Hub in the North West of Newcastle.

The Hub provides vital support to the local community but was limited in the use of its outdoor space as it lacked places for play to take place under cover.

Robertson Operations Manager Andrew Coleman organised the work on-site to construct the pergola, with support from Hewitson Limited for groundworks and materials from James Burrells Builders Merchants.

Work was completed over two weeks in July with the outdoor covered space now being used for activities such as dancing sessions for pre-schoolers, arts and crafts groups and support groups for local parents. The project also included the replacement of a shed to provide storage for outdoor play equipment, including bikes and scooters the kids previously couldn’t use regularly.

Martin Westgate said, “Children North East is a phenomenal organisation and Robertson has helped to raise tens of thousands of pounds for them over the years. When we heard that we could use our expertise to help make a difference to the Cowgate Community Hub, we were more than willing to help out. It’s a joy to see the space complete and being used by kids to enjoy outdoor play.”

Billie Jenkins Fundraising Manager for Children North East said, “Having this multi-use space will be transformative for the communities accessing Hub services, especially as many have limited access to outside play spaces. Children North East cannot thank those involved in the build enough for giving the children, young people and families this wonderful opportunity to get outside and closer to nature.“

The charity has chosen to name the space Martin’s Place, in recognition of Martin Westgate’s two decades of fundraising for the charity. A plaque sharing the name was revealed at an event opening the space attended by those who took part in the build and leaders of the contributing organisations.

Images show Martin Westgate Business Development Director, Robertson Construction North East with Children North East’s Events and Community Coordinator Joanne King at the opening of ‘Martin’s Place, as well as local children using the outdoor covered play space.

Children North East are excited to announce the opening of a new hub for children, young people and families in the heart of Gateshead in 2025!

This space has been designed to support residents of Gateshead with a range of services and activities, including:

Therapeutic Services: A new suite of therapy rooms will provide a safe, welcoming space for children and young people to receive therapeutic intervention, working through issues which may include anxiety, depression, bereavement and trauma brought about by abuse.

Youth and Support Groups: A range of groups will be run at the Hub, including peer support groups for neurodiverse and diabetic young people and other youth work activities.

Community Kitchen Space: An open kitchen will provides a space for cooking and dining activities to be delivered.

This project would not have been possible without the incredible generosity of The Clothworkers Foundation and Vistry.Group.

Therapeutic services will be delivered out of the Hub, which will include specialist sensory equipment.

The Hub will offer a space for youth and support groups to meet for a range of fun and educational activities.

About Children North East

With your help, we won’t stop until every baby, child and young person has the happy, healthy start in life they deserve.

Since 1891, Children North East have helped to transform the lives of babies, children, young people and families across our region.

In challenging circumstances, our teams are there to provide compassionate, expert support, often when there is no where else to turn for help.

Between October 2021 and January 2024, the North of Tyne Poverty Truth Commission listened to people with experience of poverty in Newcastle, North Tyneside, and Northumberland to develop a deep understanding of the issue for our region.

What is a Poverty Truth Commission?

The guiding principle of a Poverty Truth Commission is ‘Nothing about us, without us, is for us’. In a Poverty Truth Commission, those with direct experience of poverty (‘Community Commissioners’) share their knowledge about what is needed to make meaningful changes to improve the lives of those living in poverty. Together, they explore their experiences and decide what they would like to communicate about poverty to their community. Individuals with the power to influence change within organisations and institutions (‘Civic and Business Commissioners’) also participate in the process, building understanding and relationships, and promoting best practices across their organisation and networks.

What makes the North of Tyne Poverty Truth Commission unique?

North of Tyne was the first Combined Authority in the UK to host a Poverty Truth Commission and the project was the first to serve multiple council areas, including Newcastle, North Tyneside, and Northumberland. The Commission was a direct response to the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which had made life difficult for many residents.

Timeline

What the Commission want you to know…

Over 18-months of sharing stories and experiences of poverty, Commission members identified some major challenges affecting people living in poverty they wanted to increase awareness of:

• How services are delivered and structured, and the development of policies, can all impact negatively on those in poverty.
• Poverty can increase the risk of experiencing traumatic events such as abuse, neglect, violence or hunger.
• Social inclusion must be seen as an equal partner to economic growth.

Hear first-hand the impact of poverty on the lives of Commissioners

North of Tyne Poverty Truth Commission

Gemma’s story

“Can you imagine being a parent of a child with SEND and not being able to pay for everything they need for their care? You rely on health and social services to decide what help you can access, and housing services choose where you live.”

Read Gemma’s story >

Penny’s story

“Part of the challenge is the stigma, the idea someone accessing any kind benefits are playing the system or going to make bad decisions. In reality, it’s such a small percentage who abuse the system.“

Read Penny’s story >

David’s story

“From when you wake up to when you go to bed, it’s about surviving. I’ve worked and paid in during my life and now care for my mum. If you have a shorter-term problem, kids, time-off work or family, the system doesn’t take account of that.”

Read David’s story >

Amy’s story

“ I truly want all vulnerable single parents to be properly supported by society and not labelled, caring is a valuable role too and should be seen in that way.”

Read Amy’s story >

Outcomes of the North of Tyne Poverty Truth Commission

The North of Tyne Poverty Truth Commission was a complex project building relationships across diverse communities, deep listening to the challenges of poverty across the North of Tyne, and raising awareness about how poverty can be better understood and alleviated.

Some of the more tangible outcomes of the Commission include:

The video Pride and Dignity in Food Shopping, supporting those living in food poverty to understand a range of options available to them and highlighting the value of autonomy in food choices. Watch Pride and Dignity in Food Shopping >

Over the course of the Commission, some Community Commissioners were recognised for their advocacy and given platforms to continue their work, including David Black being appointed as a Governor at Newcastle Hospitals and Penny Walters being awarded a British Empire Medal for her work campaigning against poverty.

Two open letters to MPs, CEOs, policy-makers and other leaders on in Health and Care. One calling for a more proactive approach to preventing illness and the other removing barriers to people with caring responsibilities to employment.

• Read the Open Letter on Health >
• Read the Open Letter on Care >

Funding was secured by Commission members to develop further work tackling poverty.

Pledges were made by guests of the end of project event, committing to actions that would promote change, including increased campaigning, improving understanding of poverty within their organisation, listening to ‘experts of experience’ and promote their staff be trauma informed.

A ‘Call to Action’ event has inspiring many organisations in the North of Tyne region to continue the work of the commission. Read press on the Call to Action event >

Download the full North of Tyne Poverty Tyne Poverty Truth Commission Report

The North of Tyne Poverty Truth Commission was delivered by Children North East and funded by the North of Tyne Combined Authority, Joseph Rowntree Foundation and Community Foundation Tyne & Wear and Northumberland.