Speaking after the meeting, Carla said:

“Aspire NI exists to work with children in Northern Ireland in poverty to help close the educational attainment gap that exists between rich and poor. They do amazing work in helping give kids that step up needed to reach their full potential, and there are some fantastic stories of how the work of Aspire NI has made a difference in the lives of local young people.

Sadly the current cost of living crisis is exacerbating child poverty across the UK. We need the Government to shape policy to help address this. It is not just a case of handing out cash, albeit direct support is much needed. We need a wider look at how Government policy can be directed to address the core causes of child poverty.

Katie and the team certainly are passionate about getting this message heard at Westminster and I am only too happy to be a voice for Aspire NI, and all those young people and the families they work with. We cannot let poverty continue to spiral, we need solutions that cut through and make a difference.”