Cast to end poverty

Poet Matt Sowerby chats with Ben Pearson of Church Action on Poverty, on the role of the arts in social justice movements and their inspiring work in the pandemic. Read more at https://www.church-poverty.org.uk/how-we-can-use-poetry-to-accelerate-social-change/ and https://www.church-poverty.org.uk/sameboat

Wayne Green looks back on 25-years of anti-poverty activism, says why he has kept going, and gives tips to younger campaigners. Learn more about his current work at https://povertytruthadurworthing.weebly.com

Wayne Dobson of The Cedarwood Trust in North Shields tells of the values that drive their community role, and reveals their new plans to ensure everyone has access to good food, with dignity, agency and power. Learn more about The Cedarwood Trust and its new plans at https://www.cedarwoodtrust.com/ and https://www.church-poverty.org.uk/dignity-and-community-in-the-north-east/

We hear first-hand how covid-related debt has swept one family into deep difficulties, and learn about the Reset The Debt campaign, which calls for Government action. Learn more at www.resetthedebt.uk

Ben Pearson is joined by Ellis Howard and Tia Clarke, to discuss recent comments in Parliament, regional similarities and inequalities, and the damage done by sweeping generalisations.

Tracey and Dylan from Thrive Teesside talk about their new book, and why communities need to not only speak up, but to have their views taken up. Learn more at thrive-teesside.org.uk

We hear how the Your Local Pantry network has responded to the coronavirus pandemic. Communities and volunteers have pulled together, and we hear heartening stories of love, unity and neighbourly kindness. To learn more about the projects or to find your closest one, or to become a supporter, visit www.yourlocalpantry.co.uk

Four people in York tell how they and their communities have responded to the coronavirus outbreak. Contributors are Sydnie Corley, Mary Passeri, Tony Carson and Nicky Gladstone. They tell of an outpouring of kindness and goodwill, and strong collaboration between projects around the city, and wonder: how can we keep that solidarity going? This week we’ll be adding a written blog about their stories, along with other insights from York, at www.church-poverty.org.uk/news-views For more information on some of the projects mentioned in this episode, visit http://www.carecent.org/, https://kitchenforeveryoneyork.org/or https://yorkfoodpoverty.org/ or search for Carecent, Kitchen for Everyone York, and York Food Justice Alliance on facebook.

Charlotte Killeya from the Parson Cross Initiative in Sheffield talks about the impact of the coronavirus outbreak on their work and community, and introduces two local people: Carlie is a single mum, who helped set up the Autism Hope group, while Michelle works in a local school and with local families. Read more about these stories at church-poverty.org.uk/news-views and learn more about Parson Cross Initiative at pxiprojects.wordpress.com You can find the support group Carlie mentions by searching for Autism Hope Sheffield on Facebook.

Niall Cooper, director of Church Action on Poverty, looks at the implications of the coronavirus outbreak for people on low incomes. In conversation with Hannah Lambie-Mumford from the University of Sheffield, he looks at the economic and social impact of the outbreak, and suggests extraordinary measures and bold goals that can help as we look to the future. For more, see Niall’s article at: https://www.church-poverty.org.uk/more-bold-and-courageous-action-needed-to-protect-millions-from-biggest-income-shock-in-living-memory/