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Duration: 1 hour

Documentary telling the stories of some of the 3.5 million children living in poverty in the UK. It is one of the worst child poverty rates in the industrialised world, and successive governments continue to struggle to bring it into line. So who are these children, and where are they living? Under-represented, under-nourished and often under the radar, 3.5 million children should be given a voice. And this powerful film does just that.

Eight-year-old Courtney, 10-year-old Paige and 11-year-old Sam live in different parts of the UK. Breathtakingly honest and eloquent, they give testament to how having no money affects their lives: lack of food, being bullied and having nowhere to play. The children might be indignant about their situation now, but this may not be enough to help them. Their thoughts on their futures are sobering.

Sam's 16-year-old sister Kayleigh puts it all into context, as she tells how the effects of poverty led her to take extreme measures to try and escape it all.

Poor Kids puts the children on centre stage, and they command it with honesty and directness. It's time for everyone to listen.

Last on

Mon 22 Aug 2011 02:35 BBC One

  • What children think and feel about growing up poor

    What children think and feel about growing up poor

    BBC News speaks to just four of the millions of young people in the UK growing up below the poverty line, to find out what life is like when a family has no money.

    Read more about child poverty on BBC News

  • Poor Kids: A child's view of growing up in poverty

    Poor Kids: A child's view of growing up in poverty

    Poor Kids director Jezza Neumann on the lack of hope for the children he spoke to: "I believe so many of the children we met while making the film could go on to great things in life, if given the right chances."

    Read and comment on Jezza's post on the BBC TV blog

  • The Filmmakers

    More from the makers of Poor Kids including information about the documentary, issues raised and ways to help.

    True Vision - Poor Kids

Credits

Camera Operator
Jezza Neumann
Director
Jezza Neumann
Producer
Brian Woods

Broadcasts

See all broadcasts of Poor Kids (5)

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