The agenda has a particular focus on tackling poverty and includes:

Kingston Poverty Needs Assessment

Despite its reputation as a relatively prosperous borough, too many Kingston residents suffer from poverty. 

Come and find out who is most affected, the key drivers of hardship, and how pressures such as housing costs, debt, and the cost of living are impacting residents across the borough.

Louise Footner, Executive Director, Residents and Communities and Kate Leyland, Corporate Head of Insight, Strategy and Performance from Kingston Council will present the Kingston Poverty Needs Assessment, which brings together local and national data to build a clear picture of poverty and financial vulnerability in the borough.

Supporting Residents in Financial Difficulty

Daniella Oliver-Gavin, Business Development Manager from the debt charity StepChange will present 'Supporting Residents in Financial Difficulty' looking at problem debt specifically - including awareness of problem debt, national and local borough statistics, and how to refer into their services and which support levels they can offer for varying levels of need.

Supporting people who are or have been members of the armed forces and their families

Many local groups and organisations will be working with people connected with the armed forces who may benefit from support from the Royal British Legion but are unaware of what’s on offer.  This includes help with financial and employment support, physical and mental wellbeing, care, and independent living or other expert guidance. The Royal British Legion has identified Kingston as a priority area where they believe they could be helping more people.  It doesn’t matter how long someone served for or under what circumstances they left; people are eligible for support from the RBL after just one day’s service.

Matt Ford, National Third Sector Partnerships Lead, Royal British Legion Network Engagement, will explain more about what the RBL can offer.