The new initiative that’s just started in Walsall and Birmingham. Its intent is to pull children out of poverty and enhance their potential outcomes in life. Our new Cradle to Career programme, launched by the charity Right to Succeed, seeks to address this urgent need. In the city itself, an awful 38 percent of kids are growing up in poverty, the worst rate in the UK.
The programme recently started its discovery work in the neighbourhoods of Blakenall and Bordesley Green. Plans are already in place to grow the initiative into four more wards by September 2026. Local authorities will play a key role in the execution of this initiative, collaborating with various stakeholders to enhance support for children and families in need.
This was a point made by West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker in celebrating the potential of this new approach. He is passionate that every young person in the region has an opportunity to succeed. It doesn’t stop them from quoting him, “laughing” off criticism at failure to change lives and future life outcomes for young people.
“Every young person in the West Midlands should have the chance to get on in life. That’s what drives me.” – Richard Parker
As a greater antipoverty agenda The Cradle to Career programme serves as one node in a larger West Midlands antipoverty initiative. A full agenda It seeks to deliver the strongest support, education, and health care possible to all of our nation’s children so they enter school ready to thrive. Steve Rigby, chair of the Rigby Foundation, another co-lead of the initiative, reflected positively on the potential influence of the initiative.
“The future holds tremendous promise for our youngsters, and thanks to everyone involved, I know that Cradle to Career West Midlands will ensure that every young person in the region has the chance to thrive.” – Steve Rigby
Alongside Right to Succeed and the Rigby Foundation, the National Lottery Foundation is backing this crucial work. Working in partnership with local governments, these community-focused organizations go to work building routes that help children escape their fates.
Mayor Parker reiterated the significance of supporting young people, stating, “When we back our young people, we’re backing the future of our region – building on their talents with strong support, education and care.”
The progress of the Cradle to Career programme has been remarkable. Stakeholders are optimistic it will lead to permanent, positive system change in the lives of children across the West Midlands. Through this new initiative, we’ll work to make policy and education more equitable and accessible. It holds the potential to forge brighter futures for countless young people who are overcoming the odds.
