Today, on International Day for the Eradication of Poverty (17 October 2025), our colleague David Adams marks a vital moment to reflect on the realities of poverty and the collective action needed to end it.
At St Giles, we see every day how poverty is not just about a lack of income, it’s about inequality, exclusion, and the barriers that prevent people from reaching their potential. The rising cost of living, insecure work, debt, and poor housing continue to push more people into hardship. But behind every statistic is a story, a parent skipping meals to feed their children, a young person unable to afford transport to college, or an older resident choosing between heating and food.
Our work is rooted in lived experience and practical support. Through our Pantry projects, we provide affordable food alongside wraparound help that addresses the causes of hardship, from debt and benefits advice to skills development and mental health support. We know that food can be the first step to rebuilding confidence and stability.
We’re also working across communities to reduce poverty through prevention:
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Supporting people leaving prison to find sustainable housing and employment.
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Helping young people at risk of exploitation to access education and opportunity.
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Partnering with housing associations and local authorities to reach residents most affected by financial insecurity.
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Building pathways for people with lived experience to lead change and shape local solutions.
On this International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, we reaffirm our belief that everyone deserves a fair chance and that tackling poverty requires more than emergency relief. It demands systemic change, inclusive growth, and compassionate collaboration across sectors.
Let’s continue working together to create communities where no one is left behind.
David Adams
Head of Service, Tackling Food Inequality, St Giles