A Poverty Truth Commission is a project that enables a group of people who have lived experience of poverty, to use their expertise to make change in the area they live in.

Gateshead Poverty Truth Commission was borne out of the understanding that poverty exists in Gateshead, and that often the real experts (the people who live it) are kept out of the rooms where decisions are made.

The arts initiative enabled testifiers to find creative ways to explore, tell and amplify their stories in order to raise awareness of poverty’s causes and effects in Gateshead.

Summary: Enabling people with experience of poverty to express their voices.

Award: £3,470.96

Area: Gateshead

Beneficiaries: 12 Community Commissioners over the course of two years.