Schoolchildren in Powys have urged the county council and its partners to do more to tackle child poverty during a high-profile conference in Ystradgynlais.

Pupils from Ysgol Golwg y Cwm were among the headline speakers at Powys County Council’s third annual Child Poverty Task Force Conference, held at the town’s historic Welfare Hall on Thursday, June 12.

In a session led by the Child Poverty Action Group, the children shared their own experiences and perspectives on poverty, calling on decision-makers to take stronger action. Their contribution was described by organisers as “powerful”, setting the tone for a day focused on reflection and change.

Council leaders present at the event pledged to listen and act on the concerns raised.

The conference brought together representatives from local government, the NHS, third-sector groups and national bodies including NSPCC Cymru and the Wales Centre for Public Policy. It aimed to review the past year’s progress and shape future efforts to support families across the county.

Among the achievements highlighted was the delivery of community-led projects backed by £90,000 in Welsh Government funding. These included cooking sessions for families at Ysgol Golwg y Cwm, literacy events in Llandrindod Wells, and youth engagement initiatives across the county.

The council also announced it had secured a further £125,000 from the Welsh Government’s Child Poverty Innovation and Supporting Communities Grant Scheme. The funding will support the appointment of a Young Persons’ Engagement Officer to ensure children’s voices are heard in future decisions. It will also be used to launch a new “Speak Truth to Powys” Poverty Truth Commission, designed to bring lived experience into policymaking, and to deliver an Essential Support Scheme offering urgent help with food, clothing and other basic needs.

Cllr Matthew Dorrance, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for a Fairer Powys, said: “Our third Child Poverty Task Force Conference was incredibly informative and inspiring.

“We heard directly from young people about their experiences of poverty in Powys, and they’ve challenged us to do more. I’m taking that challenge back to County Hall, and I’ll work with councillors and staff to ensure we deliver real change.

“With our partners, communities, and new Welsh Government funding, we’re committed to building a fairer Powys where every child has the opportunity to succeed.”