On October 14, the South Lakes Poverty Truth Commission hosted its second public event, Nothing Without Us, in Windermere, where around 85 attendees from Morecambe, Barrow, Manchester, and beyond gathered to celebrate and reflect on the past year’s achievements.

The atmosphere was electric, with local leaders, charity representatives, health commissioners, and Poverty Truth Commissioners from neighbouring areas joining for an afternoon of connection, reflection, and vision-building over a meal by Old School Kitchen.

The event kicked off with powerful stories from the Civic and Community Commissioners representing the PTC’s four key working groups: Poverty & Mental Health, Poverty & Community Hubs, Poverty & Domestic Abuse, and Poverty & Person-Centered Services. These groups, in collaboration with partners from Westmorland & Furness Council and the NHS, shared their successes and challenges in the year’s work.

Accompanied by four short films, written and narrated by Community Commissioners Jim, Sarah, and Ann, each group’s story was a testament to the resilience and strength of the community. (All available on our South Lakes PTC playlist on YouTube.) 

After a break, everyone joined a pledge-making activity led by facilitators Laura and Deb from Cumbria Development Education Centre. This reflective exercise inspired commitments to action, from rethinking language around poverty to advocating within workplaces and considering community funding differently. The palpable energy and resolve in the room shifted from feelings of helplessness to empowerment, with participants united in their commitment to drive change.

To wrap up the day, local council leader Jonathan Brook took the floor, sharing his own admiration for the Commission’s work and unexpectedly committing his support for a bid for a new PTC in the South Lakes. His words affirmed the Commissioners’ efforts and their belief that their voices truly matter.

But the journey doesn’t end here. Nothing Without Us marks just the beginning of the South Lakes PTC’s next chapter:

• Completing Resources: Each working group will finalize resources, including videos, handbooks, and policy guides, to be shared widely as part of a collective South Lakes PTC “Knowledge Bank” by the year’s end.
• Strengthening Partnerships: The PTC aims to deepen connections with Westmorland & Furness Council, the NHS, and other partners to expand their collaborative work.
• Launching Awareness Training: Early next year, the PTC will roll out poverty awareness training in collaboration with the council, creating resources for staff, policymakers, and frontline teams.
• Planning for a New PTC: With the support of the community and local leaders, a bid for a second South Lakes PTC is in the works, with hopes to welcome a new cohort of Commissioners by Spring 2025.

It’s amazing what can be done over a relatively short period of time just by sitting down and listening to one another, isn’t it? The Commission is proof that trust in the process and commitment to change can indeed lead to remarkable transformations.

Lois Sparling, South Lakes PTC Coordinator