Supporting families affected by poverty has become a "top priority" for health visitors in England, according to a report by the Institute of Health Visiting (IHV).
The IHV's annual survey of health visitors revealed that poverty was more widespread in England than in other parts of Britain. While the primary concern across Britain was maternal mental health during and after pregnancy, poverty ranked as the second-biggest issue, uniquely setting England apart. A striking 86% of health visitors in England identified poverty as a key factor affecting families and driving the need for additional support.
Alison Morton, chief executive of the IHV, highlighted the growing challenges faced by health visitors in England. She explained, “In England, health visitors reported that their practice was dominated by social concerns. More families needed help with the impacts of poverty and with safeguarding concerns for babies and children that fall below the threshold for children’s social care.”
Morton noted that while health visitors continued to address issues such as child behavior, neurodevelopmental conditions like autism and ADHD, their focus was increasingly diverted to supporting families struggling with poverty or safeguarding concerns.
“Supporting families living in poverty and with safeguarding concerns is important, but the fact that this has become such a high-ranking priority for health visitors in England is significant,” she said.
She further emphasized the long-term consequences of poverty on children’s health, development, and wellbeing, noting its potential to affect their future social circumstances. Children growing up in poverty may face greater risks of homelessness, social isolation, and mental health challenges later in life.
The findings underscore the urgent need to address poverty’s impact on families in England and the critical role of health visitors in supporting vulnerable households. Photo by Philafrenzy, Wikimedia commons.
