Members of the York Poverty Truth Commission recently had the opportunity to sit down with Stephanie Peacock, MP for Barnsley South and Minister for Sport, Tourism, Civil Society and Youth, to speak about poverty through their own experiences.
John McGall was joined by fellow Commissioners Lynne and Jamie. Together, they spoke openly about navigating systems, feeling judged, and finding ways through.
The visit, hosted by York CVS at the Priory Street Centre, brought together partners from across the city. Alongside the York Poverty Truth Commission, it also highlighted the work of York Citywide’s Volunteering Strategy and the Connecting Our City project.
For many in the room, it was a rare moment to be heard by someone in national government, not through reports or consultations but face-to-face.
What was discussed
During their conversation with Stephanie, John spoke about growing up in poverty and what that has meant over time. Commissioners also spoke about their experiences of mental health challenges, time spent on the streets, and navigating systems that don’t always meet people with understanding.
The conversation moved between personal experience and what those experiences point to. One part of the discussion focused on the York Poverty Truth Commission’s Charter, a set of commitments shaped by people with first-hand experience of poverty and now adopted by organisations across the city, including the council and health services. The Charter speaks to everyday interactions – being listened to, not judged, and given the time needed, especially when someone is managing financial pressure or mental health challenges.
Commissioners also spoke about the realities people are facing right now in York:
- People going without food for days to afford school uniforms
- The hidden costs around “free” school meals
- Moving into empty properties without carpets or basic essentials
These are the kinds of details that don’t always make it into policy conversations but shape people’s lives every day.
Alongside sharing these experiences, Commissioners spoke about what could be different. For example, working more closely with schools and councillors, rethinking housing standards and finding practical ways to reduce pressure on people who are already struggling.
The York Poverty Truth Commission has formally come to an end, but the work hasn’t. Commissioners are still meeting and working together, and still engaging with partners across the city, addressing important issues, from school uniform support to access to essential household items.
As John described it: “We are one big family… people from different walks of life coming together to support each other.”
Find out more about York Poverty Truth Commission here.