Poverty proofing can reshape both thinking and practice. It demonstrates what's possible when a service truly commits to understanding families' realities and removing barriers, one practical change at a time.

In the UK, 30% of children are growing up in poverty, rising to 52% in some areas. We know poverty is closely linked with poorer health outcomes - from low‑quality diets and insecure housing to limited access to exercise and safe outdoor spaces. These factors can trap families in a cycle where poverty fuels poor health, and poor health makes it even harder to break free from poverty.

While poverty is a systemic issue that cannot be solved overnight, there is hope. Small but meaningful changes within healthcare settings can help improve long‑term health and create better futures for the next generation.

Children North East's Poverty Proofing® methodology works to address the hidden barriers and inequalities that affect those facing financial hardship to ensure equal access for all, regardless of resources and finances. With over a decade of experience, our Poverty Proofing team are dedicated to addressing these structural inequalities and helping places to adopt best practices and innovations nationally.

Over the past five years, Children North East have worked across paediatric diabetes, maternity care, hospice care, mental health support and more identifying the key areas affecting each location – both geographically and in relation to the specific healthcare needs of the patients. Overwhelmingly, six key points have been identified in each service: transport; patient empowerment; appointments; communication; staff awareness and guidance; and healthcare costs. 

‘One of the first things families say is "all these prescriptions are going to cost" and you see their face drop.'

While the NHS is free at the point of contact, there are so many barriers in between accessing the service and the follow up needed that many are left having to make the choice between everyday essentials and prioritising their or their family's health. Even attending routine appointments means missing paid work, paying for fuel and parking or public transport, booking appointments means access to the internet or a phone, and prescriptions come with an additional fee unless you have exemptions.

Poverty is a systemic issue that cannot be reduced to one quick fix, huge shifts in policy and Government are needed to lift the 4.2m children currently living in poverty out of it. But there is hope and even small changes in healthcare settings can have a huge impact.

Providing snacks in the waiting area can mean a child who normally accesses free school meals doesn't miss out on lunch during a doctor's appointment, asking when the best time to schedule an appointment is rather than assuming a person can take time off work, and informing patients about the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme – these three small changes can save a family £50[1] on a hospital visit.

In our experience, staff at healthcare settings are committed to supporting their service users but often don't know where to start or are not aware of the problems initially.

‘I have learnt that poverty is not always visible, not what you think. To always ask those difficult questions to patients.'

There is a stigma around poverty that stops the conversations on both sides, healthcare professionals are uncomfortable asking the questions and patients are worried about being judged if they ask for help.

‘It's been very stressful… I don't really bother with the hospital; I just get on with it. They were on about contacting social services for help but I don't want that, I don't want them to think I can't cope.'

The evidence is clear: when healthcare settings recognise the realities of poverty and respond with practical, compassionate solutions, real change becomes possible. Poverty Proofing shows that innovation doesn't always require large‑scale reform - often, it begins with noticing the small barriers that shape a family's experience and having the support to remove them.

Best practice in healthcare is not just about clinical excellence; it's about designing services that are accessible, equitable and grounded in the lived experiences of the people they serve. By embedding Poverty Proofing principles, organisations can move beyond good intentions and adopt approaches that genuinely reduce inequality. This is innovation with purpose — simple, replicable changes that collectively transform outcomes.

Systemic change will always be necessary, but we don't have to wait for it to begin making a difference. By embracing best practice and championing small innovations, healthcare services can play a vital role in breaking the cycle of poverty and poor health - ensuring every child has the chance to grow up happy and healthy.