This month (May 2026), I attended my first Poverty Truth Network Facilitators Gathering at YHA Chester Trafford Hall, where Facilitators from 15 Poverty Truth Commissions came together over two days around the theme of ‘A Bigger Us,’ – writes Natalie.
As the Communications Officer for the Poverty Truth Network, I really valued the opportunity to put faces to names, build new connections, and spend time with people I had previously only spoken to over email.
Still fairly new to the Network myself, I arrived not entirely sure what to expect. What struck me almost immediately was the warmth in the room. There was something deeply human about the way people gathered together; open, welcoming, thoughtful and honest about both the joys and the challenges of facilitating a Commission.
Throughout the two days, we spent time reflecting on the different phases of a Commission journey. Every Poverty Truth Commission is shaped by its own place, people and relationships, but there were also so many shared experiences across the room. Facilitators spoke honestly about the complexities they are navigating locally, the challenges Commissions are currently grappling with, and the care they hold for the people involved in the work.
What stood out most to me was just how deeply Facilitators care about their Commissions and Commissioners. This is deeply relational work. It cannot be rushed and it is not always straightforward. Again and again, conversations returned to the importance of trust, listening well, creating safe spaces for difficult conversations, and walking alongside people through moments that can be challenging, hopeful and transformative all at once.
There was also a strong sense that bringing people together in this way really matters. Facilitation teams spoke about the value of having space to reflect openly with others who understand the work; to realise they are not alone in some of the challenges they are facing, to share practical learning, and to encourage one another.
One of the things that emerged most clearly across the gathering was a desire for more opportunities for connection between Facilitation teams across the Network. Creating spaces for shared learning, support and relationship-building feels increasingly important, and it is something we will continue exploring.
I came away from the gathering feeling incredibly encouraged because of the honesty, compassion and commitment in the room. The gathering felt like a reminder that the Poverty Truth Network has always been rooted in people meeting as people, learning alongside one another, and continuing to imagine and build a bigger us together.
We’ve created a gallery of images from the gathering and Facilitators are welcome to download their favourites from it. If you plan to share or use the images, please can you give the photographer Nick Jones a photo credit.