Now that the first Poverty Truth Commission (PTC) is established in South Durham, and at full commission stage, it is time to start PTC 2. This Commission will focus on Stanley and its surrounding areas. This is my side of the County and feels a lot more familiar than the South; however, I still love those scenic drives over ‘the tops’ to Bishop Auckland and Newton Aycliffe.
It’s exciting to start the recruitment stage again. I think this is my favourite part of the commission process. I enjoy visiting different organisations, having a tour of their venues, hearing about their goals and aims and most importantly, having the opportunity to chat to people in an environment where they feel safe, familiar and comfortable.
There are so many fantastic charities in Stanley doing amazing work. It is a town which has positive energy, a determined resilience and although one of the most disadvantaged areas in the UK and in the top 10% of deprivation, the passion amongst the people of Stanley is huge and unwavering.
I felt very welcomed visiting places such as Pact House, which is a haven for many Stanley residents, Quaking Houses Community Centre, where I have browsed their international food market and learned to play curling and Craghead Village Hall, where Cathryn and I had an impromptu introduction to sustainable drainage!! My job is so varied and at times very random, but I wouldn’t want it any other way!
It is early days, but we already have two people signed up as Community Commissioners and several more interested, so fingers crossed, we’ll be ready to start meeting as PTC 2 by the beginning of Autumn.
What Cathryn and I are hearing more and more frequently is the rise of ‘in-work’ poverty, those households where at least one person is working but they are still struggling to make ends meet and are living below the poverty line. It is challenging to engage with these people due to working times etc., but we are looking at inventive ways to give this group a voice and include them in the PTC process.
Several organisations in Stanley are looking at ways to support asylum seekers and refugees to integrate into the community. On my visits to the area, I have met several asylum seekers, and with the help of Google Translate, they have very kindly shared their stories with me. At times, these stories have been very difficult to hear and have certainly highlighted the challenges this vulnerable group faces when they reach the North East.
We will also be working with local youth groups and schools to understand how young people are affected by poverty and ensure that they have their voices heard.
There are exciting times ahead, and I look forward to working with the people of Stanley.
The coming months will be very busy as we facilitate two Poverty Truth Commissions. County Durham will be the first place in the UK to have two Commissions running alongside each other, which is a slightly daunting prospect however, as we always do, we will embrace the challenge, overcome the hurdles and learn lots along the way.
