NSPCC advisers are lobbying the government to end child poverty and deprivation following a damning report by a leading social think-tank.
Research by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation last week showed that many children in Liverpool and Merseyside were living below the breadline, classed by government as less than 60% of the average income.
Granby and Everton were among the areas which fared very badly in the league table, and were rated among the most deprived in the country.
Natalie Cronin, national policy adviser for the NSPCC, said deprivation was a problem with many causes and, although action is being taken, more needs to be done.
She said: "The causes of poverty are multiple, with the highest percentage of poor children living in families that are workless or only have one parent in employment or are lone-parent families.
"Other groups of people who are more likely to have children suffering from deprivation include ethnic minorities and people with disabilities.
"Sometimes there can be several of these factors, like an unemployed lone parent."
The NSPCC lobbies on behalf of individuals to the government.
Ms Cronin added: "It is very difficult to tell sometimes if a child is what is classed as 'deprived'.
"Children don't go round with that stamped on their head so the NSPCC is working on poverty and deprivation being recorded with more material measures."
The NSPCC recognises the efforts of the government since 1997 in making a concerted effort on the issue of children in low-income households.
She added: "The government has reduced child poverty by a quarter since 1997 which was their target. But their plans are over a 20-year period and we think that, although they are doing the right things, it could be done faster, which would need more resources."
Social funding should also be a priority according to the NSPCC, as the level of grants has reduced dramatically and loans are difficult to pay back on an already meagre income.
Ms Cronin added: "Social funding is chronically underfunded. If families have unexpected expenses like their cooker breaking down, they often have no savings and cannot afford to fix it to give their child a hot meal every day."
LIVERPOOL is fundraising to provide a centre to care for abused and neglected children with the NSPCC and Daily Post's Safe Place Appeal.
A £17.5m family building in the Great Homer Street area will help families affected by domestic violence and mothers who misuse drugs.
Every penny counts and, although the appeal is off to a flying start with a £6m donation from chairman of Matalan, John Hargreaves, people across Merseyside are being asked to help.
To fundraise or donate to support the Safe Place Appeal, please ring Angela Capper on 0800 1073790 to request a fundraising pack.
Donations can be taken by phone from debit and credit cards. Alternatively email acapper@nspcc.org.uk, or write to Angela Capper at The Safe Place Appeal, 125-127 High Street, Wavertree, Liverpool, L15 8JS.
