North of Tyne Poverty Truth Commission
Children North East are the delivery partner of the North of Tyne Poverty Truth Commission, appointed by the North of Tyne Combined Authority.
The North of Tyne Poverty Truth Commission brings together residents with experience of living in poverty with civic and business representatives. The commission aims to better understand the challenges faced by residents living in poverty in Newcastle, North Tyneside, and Northumberland, and to come up with practical changes and solutions to some of those challenges.
The impact of the coronavirus crisis on people already struggling, the ongoing impact of the cost-of-living crisis and the steps needed for economic recovery are a central theme of the Commission’s work.
The launch event provided a platform for Community Commissioners to share their diverse stories and for all Commissioners to begin to develop relationships in preparation for the beginning of working groups.
Attendees reflected on the power of understanding the experiences of Community Commissioners; noting the barriers people have faced and some of the specific aspects of their stories. Civic and Business Commissioners have reported a sense of motivation, realisation and commitment to move forward with the next stages of the commission. One commissioner commenting that they had been prompted to “think about how policy is implemented locally and the unintended effects on people.”
In Autumn 2022 the commission is moving into its “explore” and “experiment” stages whereby commissioners work together to discuss, debate and recommend practical solutions in response to the lived experience of community commissioners.
This work will focus on three themes which have been identified by Community Commissioners.
General enquiries: Luke Bramhall, Assistant Head of Operations [email protected]
For any press or media enquires: Billie Jenkins, Marketing and Communications Manager
billie[email protected]
In Autumn 2022 the commission is moving into its “explore” and “experiment” stages whereby commissioners work together to discuss, debate and recommend practical solutions in response to the lived experience of community commissioners.
This work will focus on three themes which have been identified by Community Commissioners:
- Food/fuel poverty
- Caring responsibilities (elderly and children with additional needs)
- Health (physical health, mental health and disability)
Commissioners will move into working groups to allow them to develop close working relationships, exploring one of these themes.
If you are a North of Tyne resident with lived experience of poverty and you are interested in getting involved with the Poverty Truth Commission, you can contact Children North East to find out more.
