Beyond the Limit: A Shared Commitment to Change

On Thursday 11 June, professionals from across Cheshire and Merseyside came together at Mann Island, Liverpool, for Beyond the Limit: Child Poverty Conference 2026.

The conference was organised by the Cheshire and Merseyside local Citizens Advice. Local Citizens Advice services play a vital role in helping families facing financial hardship. Whether supporting people with benefits, debt, housing, employment, energy costs or access to crisis support, advisers see first-hand the challenges affecting children and their parents every day. As trusted organisations rooted in their communities, they not only provide practical help when it is needed most, but also use those experiences to identify emerging issues, influence policy and advocate for lasting change.

Bringing together representatives from health, local authorities, the voluntary and community sector, education and public services, the conference created a space to reflect, challenge and collaborate around one of the most pressing issues facing our communities.

Throughout the day, delegates heard powerful evidence, insights from lived experience and examples of partnership working that demonstrated both the scale of the challenge and the opportunities we have to make a difference. From understanding the realities facing families, to exploring how local insight can shape national policy, a common theme emerged: tackling child poverty requires all of us to work together.

Dave Bradburn, Director of Public Health for Wirral Council and CHAMPS Lead Director of Public Health for Child Poverty, said:

“Today’s conference highlighted not only the passion and commitment that exists across Cheshire and Merseyside to improve the lives of children and families, but also the fantastic work that is already happening every day across our communities. We know the impact poverty can have on health, wellbeing and future opportunities, and we’ve seen the difference that dedicated organisations and partnerships are already making. This conference is about building on that strong foundation – bringing people together with a shared purpose to go further, do more, and turn today’s conversations into meaningful, collective action.”

Dame Clare Moriarty, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice, said:

“Behind every statistic is a family trying to navigate difficult circumstances. By combining local insight, lived experience and partnership working, we can better understand what needs to change and ensure that support reaches the people who need it most. Events like this are an important reminder that tackling child poverty is everyone’s business.”

As the conference drew to a close, delegates left with fresh ideas, renewed determination and a shared commitment to continue working together.

Beyond the Limit was never just about raising awareness. It was about building connections, sharing learning and inspiring action.

Thank you to everyone who attended, contributed and helped make the day such a valuable and inspiring event. Together, we can move beyond the limit.