A free public lecture at the University of Bath will look at the hidden costs of the Government’s austerity policies for the UK’s poorest children, on Thursday 22 November.
Professor Tess Ridge will examine the impact of the recession and welfare cuts and changes through the eyes of a child.
Her research is one of the first UK studies into childhood poverty to be carried out from a child’s perspective. She explores what we can learn about childhood poverty from children themselves and why is it important to take seriously the issues and concerns that they identify.
Tess Ridge is a Professor of Social Policy at the University and her research has had an impact on policy development and legislation at local, national and international levels.
She contributed to the development and progress of the recently passed Child Poverty Act and is working with local and national bodies interested in improving the welfare of some of Britain’s poorest children during this period of economic crisis and recession.
Professor Ridge said: “This lecture looks from a child-centred perspective at how and in what ways policy change and welfare retrenchment may uniquely impinge on the lives of children experiencing poverty.
“Drawing on qualitative research with low-income children carried out over a number of years, the lecture reveals that recent cuts and welfare changes have threatened to overlook their needs and exacerbate their deepest concerns.”
The lecture will be held at the Claverton Campus in 5 West, Lecture Theatre 2.3 at 6.15pm. Free parking is available in the West Car Park after 5pm. To request a free ticket please contact Clare Allen in the Department of Social & Policy Sciences on 01225 386264 or email her.