Commissioners from Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Poverty Truth Commission are celebrating a major milestone after submitting the manuscript for a new textbook that challenges how poverty in the UK is understood, taught and addressed.

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, this 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 has been 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). Now the manuscript has been submitted, the Commissioners have a period of peer review, final edits, typesetting and design to navigate. They will share details of publication dates and a launch event in the near future – but for now, they are taking a well-deserved moment to reflect on what the process has meant to them.

Debbie:

When Mel first mentioned the possibility of me co editing a textbook, with her and Carrie. I thought “yeah right, that’ll never happen!” Now as we near the finish line, I still can’t quite believe it. Co-editing this book is the latest in a series of amazing and unexpected experiences. There’s been lots of positives. I’ve found it really interesting to see how a book comes together from beginning to end. It’s been a valuable opportunity for me to develop my own writing skills and learn new ones. I’ve learnt a lot from Mel about professional writing, editing my own work and others.

Sometimes it’s been a struggle. It can be triggering, because the subjects I talk about as lived experience are still a significant part of my life today. My identity as a writer is still quite new. I battle Imposter Syndrome daily, and I don’t measure up to ‘real’ more experienced writers. 

It feels a bit like trying on a new outfit. I’m still getting used to how it feels, what it means and wondering if it suits me. Sometimes it feels uncomfortable and I’m learning how to wear it, but every day is a new opportunity to try it on and I’m loving it. Co-editing with Mel and Carrie has been a pleasure, a privilege, a laugh, a lesson, and an experience I’ll never forget!

Carrie:

As a person who doesn’t read regularly or write, I never thought I’d have the opportunity to write a book, let alone a textbook! I think the main thing is what an honour and a privilege it is to be trusted to portray our stories as a representative of people of the UK with first-hand experience of poverty.

Mel:

Whilst the subject matter is both important and urgent, the process of editing this book with Carrie and Debbie has been an absolute joy. As with so many activities within our BU PIER partnership, our involvement with our local Poverty Truth Commission and Wisdom Lab, and with the national Poverty Truth Network, it never feels like work. I think it’s because it’s meaningful, important, and values driven. It is certainly underpinned by a shared commitment to drive change and address poverty by drawing on lived experience expertise. Mainly though, if I am being completely honest, it is because whatever it is that Carrie, Debbie and I have, it just works. We get on and we get stuff done. We have each other’s backs and cover for each other when we need to. It is an illustration of the approach needed as a country to come together to eradicate poverty.

We thank all of you who have contributed and supported so far. The realities you have shared are moving, profound, insightful and powerful. We can’t wait to share the finished book with you.

Debbie, Carrie and Mel