Campaigners urged to tell new story on child poverty in Scotland

"Campaigners need to change the way they talk about child poverty to counter far-right narratives and harness public energy for action, charities have warned. The Joseph Rowntree Foundation and Save the Children will on Wednesday launch a practical guide for campaigners, saying that although the third sector, politicians and the media talk frequently about the urgency of tackling child poverty, bolstered with alarming facts, the way we talk about it doesn't always help."

"The guide, called The new story of child poverty in Scotland, advises using one statistic at a time, because it says too much data leaves people with a sense of an impossible, unsolvable problem and talking about a better future for all children. Families don't tend to think about themselves being in poverty' even when they are. And when we only single out poor families, we can increase stigma and judgement."

Campaigners are encouraged to change how they talk about child poverty to counter far-right narratives and mobilise public energy for action. A practical guide from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and Save the Children advises connecting with feelings of being overlooked before presenting actions as positive responses. The guide recommends using one statistic at a time and emphasising a better future for all children to avoid overwhelming people. Families often do not recognise themselves as living in poverty, and singling out poor families can increase stigma and judgement. Public polling shows strong support for more decision-maker action.

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