A project to discover what it is like to live in poverty has been launched in Barrow.
The Poverty Truth Commission wants to hear from people about their experiences of financial hardship and to develop actions to help others.
Barrow Borough Council declared a poverty emergency in September 2020 following the outbreak of the COVID pandemic.
The Barrow and Furness Poverty Truth Commission will operate for two years. Its aim is to make sure voices of those who have experienced poverty are listened to by the people and organisations that have the power and resources to create solutions.
Ann Thomson, leader of Barrow Borough Council, said: “For too long the voices of real people who know first-hand and understand what living in financial hardship is actually like have been missing from attempts to tackle the issue of poverty and its effects,” she said.
“To understand financial hardship, it’s essential that we listen to the people who have real experience of it.”
The commission said it was intended to be a safe and supported space, in which stories of what it is like to experience financial hardship can be shared and inform action.
People with experience of poverty in the area are invited to share their knowledge and to use their voice in the fight against poverty to make real and lasting change for the future.
The commission wants to improve wider understanding of the barriers faced by those living below or close to the poverty line in a bid to change perceptions about individuals affected by financial hardship.
Those that take part will be able to use their voice to inspire positive action and help to inform policy changes while meeting new people, growing their skills and networks and representing their community.
Cllr Thomson added: “I believe people who have or are experiencing poverty should have a say in decisions made by organisations and businesses that impact our community.
“I would encourage people to come forward to take part in this project. You will be helping to effect real change for the future
For more information or a chat, text Kate Love on 07816 368287 and she will call you back, or email: barrowpovertytruth@barrowbc.gov.uk
