Strengthening Children’s Mental Health Through Participation

Kavli Trust is awarding NOK 2 million to Children North East for the further rollout of their “Poverty Proofing” programme in schools across North East England. The aim of the programme is to promote inclusion and ensure equal opportunities for all children, regardless of socioeconomic background.

By: Hanne Eide Andersen

Poverty Proofing is a methodology developed by Children North East to identify hidden financial barriers that prevent children from low-income families from fully participating in school and community life. The programme then implements effective measures to break down those barriers.

Widespread Poverty

Poverty affects millions of children in the UK, with North East England being one of the hardest-hit regions. Here, 33 percent of children live below the poverty line – nearly double the national average of 17.4 percent.

“We are very pleased to continue supporting this important initiative. Children North East plays a vital role in helping some of the most vulnerable children and their families,” says Ingrid Paasche, CEO of the Kavli Trust.

“Children growing up in poverty face challenges that go far beyond financial worries. Many experience stigma, social exclusion, and a sense of not belonging – all of which can seriously impact their mental health,” says Paasche.

“By reducing financial barriers and making schools more inclusive, this project supports our goal of strengthening children’s mental health. It’s about giving every child, regardless of background, an equal opportunity to learn, thrive, participate and succeed,” she adds.

From Mapping to Action

Research shows that poverty has a direct negative effect on school attendance, mental health, and participation in leisure activities.

Through Poverty Proofing, Children North East works to identify and remove financial and social barriers that hinder children’s ability to take part in education and community life.

The programme provides schools and other institutions with tools to map out the financial costs that may prevent full participation and inclusion — such as fees for school trips, meals, or essential equipment.

Based on the findings, targeted measures are developed and implemented to ensure that every child can participate in a safe and inclusive school environment, regardless of their family’s financial situation.

The grant will also support the continued development of youth involvement through the "Young Ambassadors" programme, as well as initiatives supporting children and young people outside of school, in their local communities.

“This might include enabling participation in arts, culture, and sports,” Paasche explains.

16 000 Children to Benefit

Over the next two years, the programme will enhance the school experience for 16,000 children across 70 schools.

The Poverty Proofing model is designed to create long-term improvements in schools and communities. It includes a clear evaluation plan to measure the impact on school environments and children's sense of inclusion.

“This is not just about short-term aid — it's about creating schools where no child is excluded because of financial constraints.”

Giving Back to the Community

Kavli Trust owns the Kavli Group and distributes its entire profit to good causes. Kavli UK is part of the group and includes the production of Primula Cheese in Gateshead. Kavli Trust therefore supports a wide range of charitable initiatives in North East England.

By continuing its partnership with Children North East, Kavli Trust is reinforcing its efforts to improve children’s mental health through tackling inequality.

“We are proud to give back to the communities where our values are created,” concludes Ingrid Paasche.

Kavli Trust also supported the rollout of Poverty Proofing in 2022 with NOK 2 million, and in 2023 with NOK 1.4 million.

Facts

• Recipient: Children North East
• Project: Poverty Proofing 2025–2027
• Grant Awarded: NOK 2 million
• Project Period: 2025–2027

Read more: Projects that received funding in the UK in 2022
and 2023