Council wins prize for reducing child poverty

Tower Hamlets representatives accepting the prize. Photo: Tower Hamlets council

Tower Hamlets representatives accepting the prize. Photo: Tower Hamlets council

An east London borough was recognised for its work to reduce child deprivation in an award ceremony on Monday.

Tower Hamlets Council received the Corporate Commitment Award for its efforts to tackle child poverty across all areas of the organisation.

Other nominees for the accolade include Islington Council and Islington Strategic Partnership, Bayswater Family Centre and Waltham Forest Local Strategic Partnership.

Kevan Collins, Tower Hamlets’ Chief Executive said: “Our child poverty strategy is clear – we are going to lift more than 1,000 children out of poverty in the borough by March 2011.

“The whole council knows this is a priority, and we’re all dedicated to making it happen – it’s great that we’ve won an award that recognises our commitment, but the real prize will be delivering on our target and knowing that fewer children are growing up in poverty.”

Held at the Barbican Centre, the awards were set up to celebrate the efforts of those helping to improve the lives of struggling families in the capital.

London Councils’ executive member for children and young people, Councillor Nick Stanton said: “These organisations and individuals have worked tirelessly to improve the lives of children who are living on or below the poverty line.”

“Their commitment is an inspiration to others who have signed up to the London Child Poverty Pledge to support parents and give children the best start in life.”

Also honoured was Tara Khanom, an Employment Advisor at Lincoln and Burdett Children’s Centre in Tower Hamlets, who was the runner-up for the Outstanding Practitioner Award.

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