An innovative project to help tackle the nightmare of poverty and its many causes has concluded in Trafford – with a number of recommendations for the future.
The Trafford Poverty Truth Commission (PTC), which was launched last year by Trafford Council, Trafford Housing Trust and its partners, met at Stretford Public Hall to share its final recommendations.
After many meetings and much discussion, the Commission – made up of 15 Trafford residents with lived experience of poverty and 18 Civic Commissioners from private, public and voluntary sectors – have come up with four main recommendations to help alleviate poverty in Trafford:
Firstly to improve how Trafford residents access services – This will include the setting up of a special one stop shop in the borough where residents experiencing poverty can access information and advice with a focus on face-to-face advice rather than digital tools.
Making public transport truly accessible for everyone – Public transport can prevent isolation and open up opportunities for people.
The improvements being made in Greater Manchester should be developed in a way that involves people living in poverty.
Continue to use the voice of people with lived experience in the development of policy and services in Trafford – The PTC has given people living in poverty a voice and given those responsible for key services the opportunity to engage with them. This model should be embedded across Trafford.
Tackle mental health and isolation – Poor mental health, poverty and isolation are all linked and the PTC believes that by valuing mental health in the community, people will feel empowered to get involved in the community and feel less isolated.
The Civic Commissioners at the meeting, including those representing Broadoak School, Bruntwood, Irwell Valley, Lancashire County Cricket Club, Lostock High, Manchester United Foundation, Seymour Park Community Primary, Trafford College, Trafford Council, Trafford Housing Trust, Trafford Leisure, Trafford Local Care Organisation, Transport for Greater Manchester, promised to make a number of pledges to take into account the PTC’s recommendations.
Sara Saleh, Trafford Council’s Deputy Chief Executive and Corporate Director of Strategy and Resources, opened the meeting with an emotional speech about how the PTC had listened very carefully to the Community Commissioners to help bring about some of the changes needed to help alleviate poverty.
The meeting also heard from a number of Community Commissioners who again shared their heart breaking stories of struggle but maintained that the PTC had given them a voice and much hope for the future.
Cllr Jo Harding, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Culture, Leisure and Strategic Partnerships, and also a Community Commissioner, said after the meeting: “Can I please say a massive thank you to everyone who has worked so hard on this – you have all been incredible.
“I said in the meeting that my pledge was that this will not be a glossy report that sits on someone’s desk. This is real. I promise to work with residents and help them. Many have told us about their situations and they are heart breaking. Our Community Commissioners’ bravery is incredible – thank you so much for to everyone being so open and honest. We will work to these recommendations to do everything we can to help our residents who are struggling.”
Cllr Liz Patel, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Economy and Regeneration, has been heavily involved in the PTC from the very beginning. Cllr Patel said: “The aim of the PTC was to get people together to help bring about the change that will impact positively on the lives of those living in poverty in the borough. That is exactly what we are doing and I am very proud of everyone who has worked so hard on this.
“I promise to keep working with residents in poverty and will not stop until we get the real change that is needed to help them live their lives poverty-free.”
