We were thrilled to see the launch of this powerful textbook Poverty in the UK: The Lived Experience, written by the real experts on poverty: those who have lived it. We are so proud of the achievement of its co-editors Carrie, Debbie and Mel to get this book published.

The three of them met as Commissioners on the first Poverty Truth Commission (PTC) for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole in 2021. In January 2023 the Commission continued its conversations which led to the setting up of the Poverty Truth Wisdom Lab. 

PTC facilitator Emily Bradbury recalls “I distinctly remember how Carrie, Debbie & Mel first started asking ‘What if…?’, and dreaming this book into existence as a way of getting some of these stories out there! So brilliant to finally hold it in our hands and see the fruit of their courage!”

A Poverty Truth Commission itself takes time building relationships, allowing ideas to germinate and come to fruition; and so has this taken them a lot of dedication, and time, and many mugs of mocha! We have witnessed the hard work and dedication that they have put in to achieve this.

Telling the truth about poverty can be hard to do. Those who have been impacted by the harsh realities of poverty don’t want to label themselves, and they don’t want to have to relive the trauma. Collaborative personal relationships were formed to support those writing the chapters, embodying the Poverty Truth ways of working; the courage to share their wisdom about what it’s like at the sharp end comes from these connections, giving all of us an insight into the lived realities of the contributors.

“Poverty isn’t one thing” said Community Commissioner Karen. This book highlights that. It doesn’t exist in isolation; it is interwoven with a complex web of challenges and life experiences.

“We cannot emphasise enough the importance of taking a relational and person-centred approach when working with someone” says Carrie. This textbook, built on hope and resilience, has already been added to University essential reading lists. It will help anyone working with (or studying to work with) those who are impacted by poverty, to understand and engage more effectively. As Debbie says, “It’s simply an invitation to look beyond the case file and see the human being”.

The book can be ordered directly from Routledge