UCL Children and young people growing up in poverty: what can educational psychology contribute?

Reduced rate: £15 for TEPs

In (2016) Psychologists Against Austerity wrote a briefing paper outlining the ‘damaging psychological costs of austerity policies’. Their report summarised five ‘Austerity Ailments’, ways in which austerity policies impact specifically on mental health:

• humiliation and shame;
• fear and distrust;
• instability and insecurity;
• isolation and loneliness
• the experience of being trapped and powerless.

Since then we have lived through a global pandemic which has exacerbated existing health and social inequalities (Marmot, 2020) and we are now in the context of a cost-of-living crisis. Given research findings highlighting the impact of poverty on children’s development (Cooper & Stewart, 2021; Shonkoff & Garner, 2012), alongside systemic impacts, what should educational psychologists being doing to support this agenda; how can we work with our communities, schools and families to improve the experiences of those we work with?

This conference will provide participants with a chance to hear about theory and up-to-date research around the impact of poverty on children and young people and their families, so that they can contribute to debates around social justice and can develop practice in the profession and in their working contexts.

Please see our event flyer with the programme for the day.

Book a place at the event.