Islington – the facts

Islington is a place of extremes where London’s richest and poorest residents exist side-by-side, living entirely different lives. In 2009 Cripplegate Foundation launched the Invisible Islington report highlighting the hidden poverty and isolation which Islington Giving is looking to tackle. You can read the report here.

“There are ‘two Islingtons’ -one successful, vibrant and prosperous, the other poor and disadvantaged. Our charitable Coalition recognises that it is through the sum of our parts that we can achieve the most for Islington” Jack Morris OBE Coalition member and Chair of the Islington Giving Appeal Committee

2^nd

Highest level of child poverty

^5th

Most deprived borough in London

^14th

Most deprived borough in England out of 354

Investing in Young People

• Islington has the 2^nd highest level of child poverty in England, 49% of children in Islington live in poverty
• Nearly ¾ of poor children in Islington live in overcrowded accomodation
• Over half (51%) of Islington secondary school pupils have English as a Second Language
• Nearly half (49%) of Islington school pupils are eligible for Free School Meals

Tackling Poverty

• Islington has the lowest life expectancy for men in London and one of the lowest for women
• The poorest men in Islington live 6.5 years fewer than the richest
• The household income in social housing is on average £15,000, for those who own their own home it is over £100,000
• 18 000 residents of working age have no qualifications at all

“I miss work. It’s frustrating doing nothing, it’s just a waste. I don’t want to be out of work. I have always worked; I am used to working” Invisible Islington

Confronting Isolation

• Islington has the 4^th highest level of older people living in poverty in England

• In 2007 Islington had the highest rate of male suicide in England
• 15% of the poorest people in Islington have debts of over £15,000

“It’s lonely because now…people tend to back off, you know…they don’t want to know. I only go home and close the door and that’s it. The only person who is talking inside the room is the TV and that’s it – that’s frustrating.” Man in his 40s with stroke

“It is really noticeable living here what you don’t have, that makes it hard.” Invisible Islington report