Raising Voices Exhibition in The Catalyst at Staffordshire University
An exhibition of creative work which aims to tell the stories of people living in poverty and hardship in Stoke-on-Trent is taking place at Staffordshire University.
The Raising Voices exhibition and Manifesto for Change event will take place at The Catalyst building on Leek Road on Thursday 24 March starting at 6pm.
The University has been commissioned by Stoke-on-Trent’s Hardship Commission to deliver the storytelling project ‘Raising Voices, Changing Minds, Ending Poverty’ which works closely with people with lived experience of hardship. The project involves Staffordshire University, Expert Citizens CIC, All the Small Things CIC, and, most importantly, the people of Stoke-on-Trent.
Nic Gratton, Associate Professor of Community and Civic Engagement said: “The project has supported local people to tell their stories in creative ways, using poetry, photography, podcasts, and postcards. Through a series of workshops, we have also collected suggestions for a ‘Manifesto for Change’ which we hope will generate a wider conversation and support positive action across our communities and within and between organisations.
“The evening is open to anyone with an interest and is an opportunity to have a look at the exhibition, meet some of the project Steering Group at the heart of the project, and take part in a wider conversation about hardship in Stoke-on-Trent.”
Booking for the free community event is via https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/274725731057
The ‘’Raising Voices’ project was commissioned by VOICES on behalf of the Stoke-on-Trent Hardship Commission and is funded by The National Lottery Community Fund. To find out more about ‘Raising Voices, Changing Minds, Ending Poverty’ email ryan.fox@staffs.ac.uk
Image by Justina Heffton – which will be included in the exhibition along with the below poem ‘Can you relate to this?’ by Jenn.
Can you relate to this?
Poverty comes in many guises, those suffering do their best to disguise it; the stigma; the shame; the whispering names; always from behind, losing the game; got no voice; even less choice; day after day feels the same; diet is poor; can barely afford; health poorer, often ignored; stress levels high; prices higher.
Christmas, ugh, timing is flawed.
“Live ones best life” feels like a joke; kids hungry; can’t have; because you are so broke.
(£16.69 bank balance, 11 days til payday; 3 kids, 3 cats, a dog and myself to feed….3 days food in cupboards)… better get creative!
Jenn
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