My childhood friends died young because of  poverty — we can break that cycle

Breaking the cycle of poverty can ensure our children live longer, healthier lives, writes Tanya Ward  

Children living in poverty are twice as likely to be hospitalised as their peers. Those living in inappropriate accommodation are twice as likely to be referred to the public health nurse service. 

I grew up in a time where children would spend most of their day playing outside. On a street where children had to entertain themselves because there was very little going on by way of public, community spaces or facilities.

We did not have many green pitches and there was a broken playground. But we did have terraced houses, cul-de-sacs and a space to play because of fewer cars. We’d spend much of the day outdoors and spent hours playing any game our imagination dreamed up. And we were all encouraged to.