Local charity Little Stars was proud to welcome Helen Morgan, Member of Parliament for North Shropshire, to its Stockroom in Oswestry to highlight the growing impact of child poverty in the region and the vital role the charity plays in meeting this challenge.

During the visit, Ms Morgan met with Founder and CEO Leanne Simcoe, Chair of Trustees Ian Groves, and the wider team, to learn more about the work Little Stars does to support families experiencing financial and emotional hardship. She also had the opportunity to meet some of the charity’s volunteers and corporate supporters from Clickingmad, a Bridgnorth-based company that kindly donated their time to assist with stockroom logistics on the day.

A Rising Local and National Challenge

Child poverty is a growing issue across the UK. As of the 2023–24 financial year, 4.5 million children – equivalent to 30% of all children – were living in relative low-income households after housing costs.

In Shropshire, that figure is also concerning: 19.7% of children under 16 were living in poverty in 2023–24, equating to more than 10,245 children.

In North Shropshire, 31% of children are now estimated to be living in poverty after housing costs, according to figures from the End Child Poverty Coalition (2023).

“These figures aren’t just statistics,” said Leanne Simcoe. “They represent families across our communities who are struggling to meet their children’s basic needs – from nappies and toiletries to school uniforms and safe places to sleep.”

How Little Stars is Making a Difference

Founded to provide essential items for babies, children up to age 13, and pregnant women, Little Stars works across Shropshire to distribute bundles of clothes, toiletries, baby equipment, and more, in partnership with midwives, social workers, and other referral partners.

The visit was a chance to discuss the increasing demand on services like Little Stars and the importance of raising awareness at both a community and policy level.

“Helen’s visit was hugely appreciated by our team,” added Leanne. “It’s so important that our MPs see the reality behind the rising statistics – and the role charities like ours are playing in bridging the gap.”

Get Involved

Little Stars relies on public support to continue its work. From one-off donations and corporate partnerships to volunteering and fundraising, there are many ways to get involved.

To learn more or to support Little Stars, please visit www.littlestarscharity.org or contact them directly on enquiries@littlestarscharity.org.

Hannah Stoddart, Helen Morgan MP, Leanne Simcoe and Chantal Cassini-Jones.