Powys County Council has secured a £125,000 grant from the Welsh Government to help address child poverty across the county.

The funding forms part of a wider £1.495 million awarded to 25 organisations across Wales through the Welsh Government’s Child Poverty Innovation and Supporting Communities Grant Scheme. The scheme supports innovative, collaborative efforts by public and third sector bodies to improve outcomes for children and families affected by poverty.

Last year, Powys County Council received £90,000 from the same fund, which helped deliver initiatives supporting more than 3,000 individuals.

This latest funding will allow the council to continue its partnership with the Powys Association of Voluntary Organisations (PAVO) on a new project called ‘Speak Truth to Powys.’ The project, delivered under the Powys Child Poverty Task Force, aims to address the immediate, medium, and long-term impacts of child poverty through a range of initiatives.

One key part of the project involves appointing a Young Persons’ Engagement Officer, who will work directly with children and young people across Powys, both online and in person. The officer’s role is to ensure that the voices and experiences of young people help shape future support services, building on lessons learned from the previous ‘Collaborating for Change’ project.

Another important element is the establishment of a Poverty Truth Commission. This commission will bring together people with lived experience of poverty alongside decision-makers to explore the root causes of poverty in Powys and to co-create practical solutions. Young adults aged 18 to 25 will also be represented, ensuring an intergenerational perspective.

The project also includes an Essential Support Scheme, designed to provide one-off payments to families facing urgent financial needs. This practical support will help with essentials such as food, clothing, electricity, and transport. Applications for the scheme will be made by professionals working closely with families in need.

Cllr Matthew Dorrance, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for a Fairer Powys, said: “Securing this Welsh Government funding is a powerful endorsement of our bold and innovative approach to tackling child poverty.

“This investment enables us to take urgent action while laying the foundations for lasting change. By listening to those with lived experience and working closely with our partners and communities, we are not just addressing poverty – we are building a stronger, fairer, greener Powys where every child has the chance to thrive.”

Cllr Joy Jones, Powys County Council’s Anti-Poverty Champion, said: “Behind every statistic is a child, a family, a story. This funding gives us the opportunity to listen more closely, act more compassionately, and respond more effectively to the real challenges people are facing.

“By working together and putting lived experience at the heart of our approach, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most.”

Clair Swales, Chief Executive of PAVO, said: “This funding gives us a valuable opportunity to improve the lives of children and young people experiencing poverty across the county, by listening to their voices and placing them at the heart of our work."