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Parents from the Changing Realities project met with Scotland's First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice to discuss tackling child poverty.

As annual poverty statistics highlight Scotland as the only part of the UK where child poverty rates are currently falling, parents participating in the Changing Realities project met with John Swinney and Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice to discuss how best to meet the Scottish Government’s ambition of eradicating child poverty.

The meeting, which took place at Bute House in Edinburgh, gave parents with lived experiences of life on a low-income the opportunity to share their insights and proposals for strengthening efforts to eradicate child poverty across Scotland. It follows an in-depth discussion with the First Minister and parents held earlier this year.

First Minister John Swinney said: "I’m pleased to have the opportunity to once again meet with parents participating in the Changing Realities project, furthering the meaningful engagement which has already taken place.

"Eradicating child poverty is this Government’s top priority, and we are acutely aware of the impact which this can have on children and families. That is why we are committed to doing everything we can to improve the lives and outcomes for all across Scotland.

"As we drive forward development of Scotland’s next Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan, we are continuing to engage with parents and families with lived experience in order to shape the Plan. This is a key element of our approach and we are focused on providing the opportunity for families to share their views first-hand, in order to ensure that the action we are taking can make a real difference for those who need it.

"I know that it takes immense strength for people to share their stories so openly and that is why I’m incredibly grateful to the parents I have met today for taking the time to make their voices heard and rightfully challenge us to go as far as we can to deliver lasting change for Scotland."

Changing Realities is a unique collaboration between almost 200 parents and carers on a low-income from all four nations of the UK, researchers at the universities of Glasgow and York, and Child Poverty Action Group. The Scottish Government is working directly with Changing Realities on their forthcoming Child Poverty Delivery Plan, which will outline concrete steps to achieve their primary policy objective of eradicating child poverty.

Professor Ruth Patrick, who leads Changing Realities, said: "It is vital to work together to build a future where no child in Scotland experiences poverty. We must harness the expertise that comes with lived experiences of poverty and social security, and develop policies collaboratively. Today’s meeting was a vital opportunity to do just that. And the message from parents and carers taking part in the meeting was resoundingly clear: driving down child poverty requires more investment in social security; and it requires a continued engagement with those for whom poverty is their reality, day in, day out.

"Changing Realities stands ready to continue to work with the Scottish Government to build a better future for all of Scotland’s children, something which matters to us all."

Zahida Purves, a parent who attended the meeting, said: "This was a really productive and useful meeting - the First Minister and Cabinet Secretary listened and genuinely responded with lots of positive and significant plans they have about reform for a better more fairer system for all. Their focus on child poverty is to be commended - I feel confident and hopeful."

During the discussion, parents shared their experiences and identified key priorities for policy change, continuously returning to the importance of investing in social security.

Parents also spoke of the positive differences policies like the Scottish Child Payment are already making, and the urgent need to do more to support parents and carers of children with additional needs.

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First published: 10 September 2025