Plan to tackle childhood poverty in Limerick city has been put in place

A SERIES of initiatives to help children to escape from poverty have been put in place.

Developed by the Limerick Health Equity Region Oversight Group and co-sponsored by the HSE and Mayor John Moran, the programme follows the Marmot Places framework.

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It will be carried out in the city in both the north and south sides.

There will be focus groups with children from the communities and an examination of the early years provision.

There are also plans for studies to look at the relationship between low birth weight and childhood obesity and living with disadvantage.

Teenagers will also be surveyed as part of the programme.

Chair of Limerick Health Equity Region, Dr Mai Mannix said that a lot has been achieved since they first met in May and worked with leaders in the field.

“The New Year will move from these important discussions to boots on the ground and getting our community involved in the design of services that will support each other and our children.”

The programme has seen many organisations working together, including leaders from Limerick City and County Council, HSE Mid-West, An Garda Síochána, Department of Social Protection, Limerick Prison and the three Limerick universities.