On 20 January, speakers from local government, voluntary organisations and employers will come to London Met to discuss how we can tackle poverty and inequality locally.
Date: 16 January 2020
London Met students are invited to the Guildhall School of Business and Law Day to Make a Difference to consider different ways in which the University community can reduce local poverty and inequality.
In Islington, where London Met’s Holloway Road campus is based, one third of people live in poverty. Despite the borough’s reputation for affluence, these rewards are not spread to everyone: income inequality is high, with a bigger gap between rich and poor than 25 out of 32 boroughs. There is also a 'class gap' in the availability of opportunities by virtue of the area in which our residents live (e.g. access to good schooling and employment).
The event on 20 January will see key figures from local government, voluntary organisations and employers exploring these crucial issues, discussing what they can do and how you can help.
This could be through voluntary work alongside studies, or going forward as potential future leaders in London.
Dr Jo Cartwright, Head of Business and Community Engagement at the Guildhall School of Business and Law, is one of the organisers of the event. She said: “As a University, we believe it is important we raise awareness and help redistribute economic opportunities. Our city needs professionals with socially responsible values at their heart, and we know London Met’s students are brimming with the ideas and enthusiasm necessary to tackle poverty and inequality in our borough, and beyond.
“The Day to Make a Difference will be a valuable opportunity for London Met students to get involved with new ways to give back to our community, while also gaining fantastic insights into future careers in policy, governance, the charity sector and more.”
Discussions will include student homelessness, improving the tenant voice in housing associations, the context in which London inequality has flourished, and what businesses can do to help.
The event will also feature a competition inviting students to create and share a social media post that inspires people to do something that makes a difference in our local community, with up to £250 Amazon vouchers available as prizes.
For further details on the event or to book your place, please see the Eventbrite page.
