Earlier this year, we celebrated a major milestone as Community Commissioners from Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Poverty Truth Commission submitted the manuscript for Poverty in the UK: The Lived Experience. We’re delighted to share that the textbook has now been published by Routledge and is available to order.

Poverty in the UK: The Lived Experience is a textbook for students, practitioners, activists and policy makers, including those studying social work, health, social care and social sciences. Contrary to many textbooks, the book is written and edited by people who have experienced poverty first-hand; giving readers the opportunity to understand the causes of poverty, the experience of poverty, and the solutions to tackling poverty, from the viewpoint of those who have been directly affected.

The book was edited by Debbie, Carrie and Mel from the BCP Poverty Truth Commission and the Bournemouth University PIER Partnership. It has over 40 different contributors, many from across the Poverty Truth Network. It includes a chapter telling the story of how the Network started and has evolved which is written by Martin (one of our Co-Directors) alongside Poverty Truth Commissioners from across the UK, including Claire (Gateshead), Dusty (Morecambe Bay), Rachel (West Cheshire), Tracy (West Cheshire), and Tricia (Scotland).

An online book launch was held in June to celebrate, and an in-person celebration will take place at Bournemouth University this month (July 2026).

The book can be ordered directly from Routledge using discount code ADC26 for 30% off until 31 December 2026.

The book is also available to order on Amazon.