In May, United Way Elgin Middlesex reported that it had met 27 of its 112 targets as part of London’s anti-poverty strategy, London For All, just one year since starting its work. United Way Elgin Middlesex is the lead agency implementing London’s strategy.
London for All grew out of a Mayor’s advisory panel, that operated between 2015-2016, with the ambitious goal of eliminating poverty in London within a single generation. The advisory panel used the social determinants of health model and conducted deep engagement with over 1000 Londoners to develop 112 recommendations in eight areas: changing mindsets, income and employment, health, housing, transportation, education and early learning, food security, and systems change.
Over the past year, to move the campaign forward, London for All has brought together 60 stakeholder organizations to work collectively for change. Additionally, 38 individuals identifying with lived experiences of poverty have taken on key decision-making roles. These steps are important, as they recognize the importance of engaging a diverse set of stakeholders and the vital role that individuals with lived experience play in implementing an effective poverty reduction strategy.
As part of their annual reporting, London For All noted that it had completed 27 recommendations, was in progress for completing 54 recommendations and had 31 left to start. Some of the successes from London for All are highlighted below:
Changing Mindsets
In January 2018, a pilot program was implemented to subsidize monthly transit passes for individuals at or below the low-income cut-off. Since implementation, this program has grown to 1,185 passes being sold in April.
Early Learning & Education
38 individuals with lived / living experience of poverty are involved in key-decision making roles. Any individuals with lived experience are eligible for compensation for their time and expenses associated with their participation in the work. Work is also being done to develop a City of London – Lived Experience Advisory Council.
The status of all 112 recommendations can be reviewed on the London for All website.
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