I have spent the last couple of days going through the feedback from the PTC 1 Sharing Event, which we held at the beginning of June.
This has been a great opportunity to sit back and reflect on all we’ve achieved over the last 18 months. Sometimes when you’re in the midst of it, I think it’s easy to overlook the changes and the impact you’re making. It’s only when you step back and take a breath that you can think, wow!
PTC 1 and 2 have been a huge learning curve, and boy have I learned some things about both myself and the world. Having worked in mental health for years, cared for a physically and mentally unwell husband and supported my kids through the grief of losing a parent, I thought I’d pretty much seen and heard it all and was a tough cookie. How wrong was I?!
This job is something else entirely. It doesn’t take, it doesn’t drain, it doesn’t drag… it does quite the opposite in fact; it gives, – energy, hope and even joy. I know some people will be reading this thinking ‘really??’ – I thought that when I first started on the PTC path and read/heard how being a facilitator changes you as a person and leaves a deep, long-lasting impact. I wondered what people meant by that.
I’ll try and explain it to you…..
Little did I know that day in May 2024, when I walked through the doors of Durham Community Action, would be such a game changer. For a start, I’d been working remotely for a few years so the idea of being office-based was novel and quite exciting. Also, I had never actually worked on a specific project before, having previously either been an advocate or a nurse, so I didn’t really know what to expect.
Those first few weeks at DCA were a cacophony of acronyms and obscure job titles which I’d never heard of before. Thankfully everyone was patient and welcoming, and I soon settled into the routine, although I do still struggle with some of the acronyms! The team at DCA are rich in experience and knowledge, which they are always willing to share. I’ve learned lots from them all, and they definitely made the recruiting part of the PTC easier with their hundreds of contacts and great reputation across the County.
As I’ve already mentioned, ‘Project Worker’ was a new role for me. I’d pretty much worked independently, managing my own caseload for years, only having contact with my manager at supervision sessions or team meetings, so it was strange to be working so closely with Cathryn.
Cathryn and I are very different people: the loud and vibrant to my quiet calmness; however, we clicked from day 1. I think our different personalities are what make us a strong facilitation team (or a ‘formidable duo’, which we were called the other day!!) She’s become a friend and a confidante and always gets first-hand updates of any dramas going on in my life, whether she wants them or not!
We are always talking, planning, problem-solving and are both as passionate as each other about making the PTC a success and having the best possible outcomes for the Commissioners.
Cathryn has given me the space to grow from what was a nervous, unconfident ‘wannabe’ who would sit back and let her take the lead, into what I hope is an engaging, adaptable and confident facilitator. She has gently nudged me out of my comfort zone without me realising, and now I will willingly take the front seat and no longer sit back. Mind you, I’m still not a fan of public speaking and doubt I ever will be!
The Poverty Truth Network is an inspiring yet challenging (in a good way) movement to be involved with. I remember walking into the room when I went to my first facilitators gathering and being taken aback by the amount of people sitting in the circle... it almost felt cult-like! I soon learned it was nothing like a cult but a group of wise, passionate people trying their best to make life a little less hard and give people the dignity and respect they deserve. Every Poverty Truth Network event challenges you to think outside the box and step away from the norms of society. With Martin and Andrew at the helm, the Network team guide us through an array of tasks and conversations aimed at strengthening both our connections and the whole PTC process. It’s a great, safe space to learn from others and make new contacts. As time has gone on, Cathryn and I are now the ones being asked for advice as more and more new commissions are starting across the country. It feels exciting, hopeful and worthwhile, especially as the Network is growing, having recently appointed staff to the new roles of Parliamentary Officer, Communications Manager, Partnerships Manager and Operations Manager.
I talk about the Community Commissioners all the time but don’t think I’ve given the Civics the shout-out they deserve. I was daunted, intimidated and pretty shy when I first met them. I doubted intentions and commitment and wondered whether they’d give credence to the lengthy relationship-building process. I questioned whether they’d take notice of ‘little old me’ as I worked with Cathryn to guide them on their journey. My concerns were fruitless; the Civic Commissioners in both commissions have shown nothing but passion, compassion and a genuine wish to ‘get it right’ for both the Community Commissioners and the people of County Durham. They have all given 100% despite their very busy roles. As PTC 1 comes to its official close, the Civics I have spoken to all wish to stay involved and are looking at ways to build on the relationships they have built and the work they have been doing in their working groups. PTC 1 has highlighted and proven that the relational approach is powerful, effective and empowering. To have big organisations approach Cathryn and I to discuss how the PTC methodology can be used in their own community engagement is hugely rewarding and makes me feel incredibly proud that I have been part of bringing the impact the PTC is making across County Durham. I salute you and thank you, Civic Commissioners, for your patience, your trust and your dedication.
And finally, the best bit, my favourite people, the Community Commissioners. An eclectic bunch who never fail to make me smile, cry, laugh and roll my eyes – sometimes all at once! The very first meeting we had with PTC 1 was terrifying. I vividly remember the nerves and panic that no one would turn up and the sheer relief (and tears) 2 hours later when all had gone well. I think I’ve made it very clear over the months how proud I am of PTC 1 and 2. From those initial, tentative conversations at Pact House, Ladder Centre, an array of cafes and drop-ins to the now 8 confident, competent and passionate community commissioners from PTC 1 and our bunch of 10 equally passionate PTC 2 guys who are halfway through their journey and rapidly growing in confidence. They are all so inspiring, strong and determined to use their negative experiences to help improve things for others. They are very special people with huge hearts, and I feel honoured they have allowed me to be a small part of their lives.
Over the last couple of years, I have gained valuable insight into the trauma of being an asylum seeker, the frustration at being failed over and over again by systems which don’t match need, the turmoil of living in a state of anxiety, isolation and mistrust, the speed at which things can go from safe to unsafe…..these are people’s truths which I will never forget.
My Poverty Truth Commission journey has opened my eyes and given me hope in a world which doesn’t particularly feel friendly right now. If you can’t be anything else, please, be kind!
Back to the Sharing Event, officially the end of Poverty Truth Commission Number 1, but really just the beginning. We are full of ideas as to how to continue the great work of the Commissioners and have had some very promising conversations with key organisations... watch this space…….
