Lenten Appeal 2018 This Lent, we will be raising money for the Catholic Children's Society (CCS) CCS is a Catholic Charity that works to help local children and young people living in poverty

Budgeting Activity Lenten Appeal 2018 In this activity, we will be looking at why families in our Diocese are living in poverty and how we can help families living in poverty.

Write your own definition on your worksheet. What is poverty? Write your own definition on your worksheet. Compare your definition with the person next to you. Collins Dictionary Poverty being without enough of something, for example not having enough food or money

Does this figure surprise you? 1. In a classroom of 30, how many children on average will be living in poverty? 3 9 6 9 Figures from Households Below Average Income, An analysis of the income distribution 1994/95 – 2015/16, Tables 4a and 4b. Department for Work and Pensions, 2017. Does this figure surprise you?

2. How many children in poverty have at least one parent in work? 26% 52% 67% 67% Figures from Households Below Average Income, An analysis of the income distribution 1994/95 – 2015/16, Table 4.6ts. Department for Work and Pensions, 2017. Many people assume that parents of children living in poverty are unemployed. However, more and more parents are in work.

Hackney Tower Hamlets Tower Hamlets Westminster 3. In the Diocese of Westminster, which Local Authority has the highest level of child poverty in the UK? Hackney Tower Hamlets 53.4% Tower Hamlets Westminster 41.3% 53.4% 41.29% Fifth highest in UK Sixth highest in UK Go to the site below to find the level of child poverty in your area: http://www.endchildpoverty.org.uk/poverty-in-your-area-2018/

Why are people living in poverty? 1/3 of people living in the UK have experienced poverty in recent years Why are people living in poverty?

Remember- you must stick to your budget! Your Task Each person in your group will receive information on a different person living in the Westminster Diocese. Imagine that you are that person. Read the information box at the top of your worksheet. You need to use all of the information in your pack to decide: Where you will live What furniture you would like to buy How you will travel places Which bills you will pay Which mobile phone you would like Where you will do your supermarket shopping How much you will spend on clothes What leisure activities you would like to do If you would like to go on holiday If you would like to save money Remember- you must stick to your budget!

Take it in turns to discuss your budgets. Did you find it easy to stick to your budget? What were your priorities? If you had an extra £300, what would you each spend it on?

Move to sit with people with the same person profile as you. Compare your choices with other people in your group. UNPLANNED EXPENSES How did you cope with the unplanned expenses? How is your budget looking now?

What has this task taught you?

Most people face difficult months now and again. Many families in the Westminster Diocese are experiencing financial pressures. Most people face difficult months now and again. But for families living in poverty, keeping their home and providing enough food can be a constant struggle. Where can they turn?

CCS aim to respond to applications within 24 hours. CCS Crisis Fund The CCS Crisis Fund is available to any Head Teacher in the Westminster Diocese. The Crisis Fund provides emergency help for children and their families who are living in poverty. This might mean giving them money for food, furniture or to pay household bills. CCS aim to respond to applications within 24 hours.

Ellie’s Story Ellie is six years old. She lives with her mum, dad and little sister. Three months ago, Ellie's dad lost his job. The family could not pay their rent so they were evicted from their flat. Ellie's family stayed with one of her dad's friends for two months. Five of them shared a one bedroom flat. One night Ellie’s dad's friend told them to leave. They had nowhere to go and had to sleep on the streets that night. Ellie's Head Teacher found out what was happening and called the Catholic Children's Society the next day.

Ellie’s Story With money from the Crisis Fund, CCS were able to pay for temporary accommodation for Ellie and her family. CCS then contacted the Council on the family's behalf and within days they were given a new home. However, their new flat was completely unfurnished. With money from the Crisis Fund, CCS were also able to buy the family beds and a washing machine.

Every penny that you raise will go into the Crisis Fund You can help children and young people just like Ellie by raising money for the Catholic Children's Society. Every penny that you raise will go into the Crisis Fund Remember, in a classroom of 30 pupils, 9 will be living in poverty. The child or young person you help could be in your town, in your school, or even in your class

How can we raise money this Lent? Write down at least one idea on your post-it note Which fundraising ideas do you like? How could you make this happen?

Dear Lord, Thank you for all that I have. Let us think of those children and young people who are living in poverty right now, perhaps in our town, school or class. Give us strength this Lent as we work to help those in need. Amen