Tackling poverty is a complex and multifaceted endeavor that has no simple solution. The West Northamptonshire Anti-poverty strategy highlights the priorities and actions that are key in both supporting people currently experiencing poverty, and in preventing people from falling into poverty. Within Briar Hill, Well Northants and partner organisations are providing community opportunities to scaffold those priorities, connecting with individuals to understand the root causes and the lived experience of residents, and are putting into place practical actions that have a positive impact. As part of the wider inclusion work, Well Northants (West Northamptonshire Council) has partnered with Voluntary Impact Northamptonshire (VIN) to fund a part time worker to support in need groups and those either in, or at risk of, poverty. The post holder is working within existing groups to offer a sign-posting service as needed, and also to draw out individual stories and experiences of living in and with poverty so we can better understand the needs and services that will alleviate the harm caused by poverty. The post holder has instigated a coffee morning to encourage the sharing of stories. This regular event is already encouraging peer support within the area and is alleviating the loneliness experienced by some service users.
There is an enormous narrative from residents about the link between financial instability (not necessarily abject poverty or even financial vulnerability) with their mental health and wellbeing. We have content regarding sleepless nights or failing to eat associated with attempting to sort out difficult or complex benefit issues or trying to understand what the council wants from them in terms of council tax reduction or the application of universal credit and what that means in terms of housing support.
There is also a perception from certain residents that those with additional support needs (such as addiction) seem to receive additional support which is not available to those who are just living with poverty and how unjust this feels.
There is a strong body of discussion about how working is a route out of poverty, yet the marketplace is competitive around those employment opportunities considered minimum wage. This inability to gain such employment dents people’s confidence and makes them question whether they need extra Learning and Skills to be able to access the market even at its lowest entry point.
Several single mothers talked about the conflict between childcare costs and work as a route out of poverty. A lack of affordable pre-or after school care is mitigating their ability to work and trapping them in poverty. There was a further issue around minimum wage work and the lack of flexibility which other employers (I think Local Authorities and Charities were mentioned) offer. Single mothers are torn between caring for their child or attending work. If they don’t work they don’t get paid or even lose their job – so it’s a trap of emotion and finance.
The role of Charlene Gautrey:
Charlene is Voluntary Impact Northamptonshire’s Neighbourhood Coordinator working within the area of Briar Hill. She runs a weekly coffee morning on a Monday between 10-12 at the Briar Hill community centre to encourage the community to get together and meet new people. She also runs a drop-in session at the community hub at the Briar Hill community centre on Wednesdays. She will be there to help support you with any issues you are struggling with whether its financial, food, fuel, or even just to be a listening ear. She can’t promise to fix everything or know all the answers, but she will try her best to help and signpost you to the support that is available for you.
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