Northern Ireland - Country Profile 2022 on children in need

Eurochild recently published a new report, (In)visible children, on the situation of children in need across Europe. Read feedback from our members from Northern Ireland on child poverty and social exclusion, and interventions supporting vulnerable children and families

In our latest report, (In)visible Children - Eurochild 2022 report on children in need across Europe, together with our members we urge governments and decision-makers to support the most vulnerable children and prevent widening inequalities.

Children in Northern Ireland are more likely to be living in poverty than any other group in society, and the gap is widening. The most recent figures from 2019/20 estimate that 22%, or approximately 100,000 children, are facing severe hardship. Comparing each of the United Kingdom’s four nations and the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland has continuously suffered the highest rate of child poverty between 2010 and 2020.

When it comes to areas to prioritise, Eurochild member, Children in Northern Ireland, call on the government to develop and implement an Anti-Poverty Strategy and a Disability Strategy, and also a permanent scheme for School Holiday Food Grants.