Poverty 2 Solutions in action
At Poverty2Solutions, we’re a diverse team with a mixture of expertise, experience and skillsets. It’s a combination that has given us a real strength and we believe it should be the foundation of any approach to problem solving for decision makers.
We’ve powered our progress using political engagement, partnerships with other voluntary organisations, we've met with MPs, campaigned in the media, and collaborated with like-minded people to amplify our campaign.
We’ve also explored creative approaches that have been more inclusive and created space for everyone to share their experience and expertise. From producing films to screen printing our own merch, we've leveraged every skill within our team to strengthen our argument and drive forward our campaign for change.
It's been a challenging journey all about action.
Political Engagement
In our campaign to advocate for the passing of socio-economic duty (SDE) and the crucial role that lived experience must play in policy making, we’ve built relationships with policy makers and politicians from all parties.
From speaking on panels at party conference fringe events, to face-to-face meetings with MPs - our spokespeople have represented the voice of lived experience in a number of political and policy spaces.
‘Do your duty’ campaign
Read how we drove a campaign to enact the SED from one-off meetings with MP’s, to the new government's manifesto.
Leaving none behind
Learn about the fringe event we delivered in partnership with Bright Blue at the Conservative party conference in Manchester
In the media
Our writers and spokespeople have featured in the national press, academic journals and featured on the BBC. In 2020 we were listed as one of The Big Issues Top 10 Change makers!
Makers
We all have different backgrounds and bring unique expertise, but we're all united by our creativity and passion for making a difference. Throughout our journey, we have made…
Infographics
A Film
Screen printed tote bag and t-shirts
Badges, posters and social media graphics
an A-Z of Lived experience book
Making things is such an important part of our work because…
It helps us to explore our own lived experiences, understand and empathise with the experience of others
It gives us a voice and helps us express our views and ideas for solutions
We know it catches the eye of people we want to help to change policy making and start to tackle poverty through the experiences of those who have lived through it
It gives us a creative outlet, helps us feel part of a team and makes us feel good
Screen printing our merch
Screen printing merch for our events is becoming a P2S tradition as anyone lucky enough to snag one of our tote bags or Tees will tell you.
Film making
Amanda Button and Patricia Bailey helped to script and act in a new film. Here, they discuss what it was like for them to be involved in this project.
“Over the years of being involved in Poverty2Solutions, we have always enjoyed using our voices and sharing our experiences and solutions to Poverty in a creative way. Creating merch for our latest “Poverty2Solutions on Tour” campaign was great fun and a new and exciting way to get together"
Dylan
Demonstrating by doing
As well as campaigning for change we want to show how the change can be made. We have number of initiatives to demonstrate and showcase how participatory policy making can work in practice.
Debt deductions campaign
We want the UK Government to work in partnership with people with lived experiences of the social security system to ensure debt deductions from Universal Credit and legacy benefits are not drivers of hardship and destitution.
Partnership
We work with a range of organisations across sectors and the political system.
