If you grew up poor, what minor/low level thing would have helped you?

[flowersintheatticus]

Obviously the solution is money, which isn't really an option. I'm involved in a very small scale community 'levelling up' project to help dc who are in the lowest socio-economic bracket. What practical/human resource might have helped you? The families already have access to food bank/heating vouchers, so it's more aimed at the children and their development, education and wellbeing. Any suggestions welcome.

I agree. I went through some years where I looked like a tramp myself, my ass of an ex use to laugh at me for it, but I always did the best for my son. He always had good shoes and warm clothes at least.

@MidnightMeltdown Sadly neglectful parenting is a by product of living in poverty for some children. I have experienced this.

For me I think just the knowledge that we weren't the only ones like that and it's not something to be ashamed of.

Of course you always could pick out other kids who were probably having the same problems at home but it wasn't something you used to bond over or could even bring up.

So I just think some way of giving the kids the sense that they aren't alone and they aren't being judged on what they don't have. That would really have helped me.

Books at home!

Yeah, and even if they were neglectful, maybe with more money there would be more healthy food and soaps and stuff in the house

Concession entry to educational value attractions.
Wider affordable vet treatment for pets.
A proper functional national dental scheme.
Changes of circumstances can really effect the whole family, children, and pets.

Music lessons, sports clubs.
Free school trips! The shame of not being able to pay/go.
Schools need to stop asking for £, children in poverty cannot keep giving £ for world book day, harvest festival, red nose day etc etc. stop asking

I second this, definitely a hair cut

I feel guilty talking about this. I wonder if they understand what they did

A homework club and music lessons.
Support from a mentor.

💐 one reason they support extracurricular activities is to give children the opportunity to be engaged in sports/arts etc recognizing that these can provide different skills than in school. Also, it means a child does not miss out. In addition, they will get to meet people from diverse backgrounds. Sometimes that basketball game led to staying on in sport to an older age and being in a supportive environment. Or the music lessons that led to a band and social events. Or the confidence of realizing they can achieve, they can do well. The tuition has helped some go on to college and apprenticeships; the driving lessons gave independence and some jobs require a valid driving license. This is just one focus area.

I also realize that it’s not all rosy outcomes. But we can try to give children hope, dignity, opportunity.

I worked in a school with a lot of underprivileged kids. One of them slept in a dog basket in the kitchen. Most people think a bed is a given for all children, but it really isn’t.

I would have loved some shampoo and conditioner. I have very dry frizzy hair and it was always like a birds nest and I was embarrassed. I also had terrible skin and nothing to wash my face with, so I used to get huge pus filled spots and have the piss taken out of me.

I didn't include a big one.

Paying for a UCAS application. I didn't have the money, so I couldn't do it. I had no idea even if I were to apply, how I would get to an interview (wasn't going to be able look at any of them on Open Days if the UCAS fee had fallen into my lap and I'd have been able to escape from the house), had no idea how I would get there if offered a place or how I would get somewhere to live, knowing that if through a series of miracles I got there, I would never be allowed back again out of anger that I'd thought I was too good to stay in my designated role of 'leave school at 16, get job at the Gas Board, get mortgage at 18 and buy the council house for her, stay until it was paid off, then fuck off forever'.

I think schools are much more professionally curious these days. My mother was trying to make do with a broken washing machine and thought deodorant was a luxury item. My parents had the means but had different priorities and expectations. A phone call from a teacher advocating for me would have embarrassed them into action.

I was very close to one of my teachers in sixth form. She was a single parent and I used to babysit for her on parents’ evenings. I LOVED going round to her flat with its fresh, painted walls, The Independent on the table, fresh coffee, guitar at the side of the sofa and no cigarette smells. It was a window into what I didn’t have, but could achieve.

This is so true. I feel like this too.

Mentoring.
first of all mentoring explaining that one CAN do better so should strive to do better. That it is possible at all.
Then; explanation's how to network, how to advance your career, mentoring in financial matters (saving/investing)
and mentoring how not to give up, how to try again despite initial failures

Oh so sad…I hope things are better and you have wonderful people in your life now.

Free school trips; a bike; waterproof coat and good shoes; extra school uniform; a bus pass and money for subs for youth groups.

OMG that made me remember that I didn’t know i had to wash my tights much more often!

Shoes to wear at the weekend that weren’t my school shoes. Dentist. A hot chocolate/juice and sandwich and cake from a cafe when out and about. A new mattress.

Exactly, when surrounded by SAHP / minimum wage jobs, it's hard to think you could actually go on to achieve better.

There were career advisors and I said I'm not sure about further education and instantly it was like ok - no persuading/ positives to staying in education and was sent on a fake apprenticeship to be a support worker 🙄

Parents were very old and out of the loop (dad retired / mum never worked), none of my friends went on to uni and alot were pregnant young.

There does need to be more guidance and help on inspiring these children into further education or even a trade. Some people just don't have an idea on were to start or believe in themselves.

Mentoring. I was highly academic but had no idea what to do with it. So proper career advice but also an insight into a more affluent/middle class life. I had so much to learn and just had to muddle along.

@flowersintheatticus Good God... Is there somewhere to donate stuff like sanpro and underwear? These children need stuff