As we approach the end of September, the new school year is well underway and children and young people around the country are settling back into their regular school routine. Things are, perhaps, feeling a little closer to ‘normality’. But amidst the joy of being reunited with friends and settling back into school life, the reality is that many children in Wales are facing big challenges in their daily lives as they deal with the effects of child poverty. The pandemic shed new light on child poverty, and to a large extent, it was churches and other faith groups that stepped into the breach to support children and families through community ventures such as foodbanks. This autumn, then, what lasting effects and challenges are faced by children and their families living in poverty in Wales? What support is offered in the community by churches, to help tackle the effects of child poverty? And, is it really the role of such groups to champion the case for children and their families? Rosa Hunt explores these issues with Professor Sally Holland, Children’s Commissioner for Wales; Rebecca Thomas, the Early Learning Community Lead for Save the Children in Wales; and we visit Noddfa Church in Abersychan where we hear from Pastor John Funnell and members of the church’s Youth Group about the kinds of support that is provided through the church’s ministry.