3.5 million kids live in poverty in the UK. It’s one of the worst rates in the industrialised world and successive governments continue to struggle to bring it under control.

Poor Kids offers 4 children the chance to share their insights on life on the bottom rung of society’s ladder. In turn funny, tragic, moving and fascinating, Courtney (8), Paige (10, Sam (11) and his sister Kayleigh (16) take us into their lives and show us the unvarnished reality of growing up below the poverty line in Britain today. Breathtakingly honest and eloquent they give testament to how having no money affects their lives: lack of food, being bullied and having nowhere to play. The children might be indignant about their situation now, but this may not be enough to help them; their thoughts on the future are sobering. Poor Kids is a startling insight into what life is like for Britain’s poorest children.

To find out more about the film and to watch the trailer, click here. 

Latest News

Sam & Kayleigh

Sam, Kayleigh and their dad have moved to Wales along with their younger half-brother  who is now living with them.  Their father is working part time as a night porter which allows him to be able to work and still look after the children. Donations have helped pay bills and the clothes and toys that viewers have sent for the family have been hugely appreciated.

Kayleigh is studying hard at college and donations pledged directly for her education have enabled her to carry on with her studies.

The family are now able to afford an occasional treat and go out as a family on day trips to the beach and the cinema which they were not able to do in the past.

Thanks to the generosity of the viewers Sam now has plenty of school uniforms.  He and Kayleigh have also received other gifts to help them at school as well as household items for their new home.  The boxes and letters were taken down by Jezza Neumann who also took the kids out for the day.  They are both in very good spirits and looking forward to a brighter future.

Thanks to donations we were able to pay for a full gas tank for Sam, Kayleigh and their dad to keep them warm over an extremely cold winter.

One of Sam’s dreams to see a Chelsea football match was also made possible by a kind viewer donating tickets for Sam and his dad. Viewers’ donations were used for return transportation to the match.

In November 2011 the BBC invited Kayleigh and Sam to view part of the live filming of the Children in Need show where they saw performances from many celebrities including boy band sensation One Direction and the pre-record of the West End smash The Wizard of Oz.  They were given special access to the green room where they met Alesha Dixon and the children from Outnumbered (pictured right).

Courtney and Paige in Glasgow

Donations for Courtney and Paige were sent to their families to help pay essential bills.  A viewer who wanted to help Paige directly with something she really needed has paid for a new bed and carpet for her bedroom, both of which she is delighted with.

Courtney and Chantelle

Thanks to the Principle Trust who “help children and families forget their worries and have a great time” by providing holidays for people who would not be able to afford them otherwise.

Courtney and her family had a great week at one of the Trust’s holiday homes at the seaside this summer. They thoroughly enjoyed their family holiday together.

Viewer’s continued donations have helped Courtney and Chantelle’s family pay essential bills such as electricity and gas and to buy clothes for the children.  Viewers have also sent the girls gift vouchers, toys and clothes which have been gratefully received.