Bishop John Arnold on our latest child poverty report
Do you know someone who would enjoy this article?
We recently released staggering new research which showed the extent and impact of child poverty in Catholic schools in our diocese.
Bishop John Arnold, Bishop of Salford and our chair of trustees, shares why this report is so important and why it should be all of our missions to support children and their growth…
In St Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus tells us, “Whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me.” (Matthew 18:5).
This passage highlights the profound value that Jesus places on children and reinforces our Catholic mission to support their growth—physically, mentally, and spiritually.
These words resonate deeply with the findings presented in this important report by Caritas Salford.
The research the charity has carried out brings to light a critical issue within our community: the increasing levels of poverty experienced by children and families and the traumatic impact this has on the mental health of children in our schools across the Diocese of Salford.
While the research primarily focuses on Catholic schools, the issue is not confined to these institutions. The latest figures indicate that around 333,000 children in our diocese are affected by poverty. However, the report highlights the vital role our schools, their leaders, staff and the wider community play in addressing this urgent challenge.
Catholic social teaching calls us to uphold the dignity of every person and to stand in solidarity with those in need.
This report emphasises our collective responsibility to ensure that no child’s future is compromised by circumstances beyond their control. It also outlines specific recommendations aimed at fostering an environment where every child can thrive.
I wholeheartedly welcome this report and encourage all to engage with its findings and recommendations.
In echoing the words of Pope Francis, who stated that “the challenge of poverty…must become a priority of all,” I urge people across our communities to take up responsibility for this issue and to work together to provide unwavering support for our children and families and to join together to speak up in calling for the systemic changes that are needed to ensure all can live with dignity and life to the full.
Finally, I offer my sincere thanks to all those who have compiled this report and I express special gratitude to the dedication and compassion of everyone involved in our schools.
They continue to go above and beyond in supporting our young people, particularly those facing poverty and the growing challenges to mental health.
Bishop John Arnold
Read more about the research and ways you can help now by clicking here.