Midlothian Families to share lived experiences at key event during Challenge Poverty Week
As part of Challenge Poverty Week, which runs from 7 to 11 October, a group of community researchers who are involved in a project called “Our Experiences, Our Voices, Our Stories,” are holding an exhibition about their ongoing project about lived experiences of people caring for children and their experiences of the cost of living crisis.
Event details
The free event is called “Our Stories; Voices of Midlothian Families” and will take place at St John’s and King’s Park Church in Dalkeith (opposite Morrison’s), between 10.30am to 2.30pm on Wednesday 9th October 2024.
Get involved
Midlothian residents are being encouraged to drop-in to the event to meet the community researchers, ask questions about the project and also find ways to ensure their voice and opinions are included in the research.
Lots to do
The event will also include a creative interactive exhibition, games and fun children’s activities, plus free refreshments and a buffet lunch.
Midlothian Council Leader Cllr Kelly Parry is due to open the event at 11am, before Bill Scott, former Chair of the Poverty and Inequality Commission, delivers a speech.
Part of Challenge Poverty Week
Tim Porteus, the research project leader at Midlothian Sure Start said: “This event, part of Challenge Poverty Week, offers a unique opportunity to connect with our community researchers, find out what we are doing and how to get involved.
Interactive Event
“We hope it will also be fun, and very suitable for families with young children. Come along, chat with us, play the interactive games we’ve made and find out about some of the issues and stories we have collected so far.”
Everyone welcome
“We aim to raise awareness of people’s lived experiences, which can be empowering for local communities.Everyone is welcome to the event and if you feel inspired to share your story or just want to discover what we have been doing, then please drop by St John’s and King’s Park Church in Dalkeith between 10.30am to 2.30pm on Wednesday 9 October 2024.”
Making a positive difference
Midlothian Council Leader Cllr Kelly Parry, said: “Challenge Poverty Week is only a few weeks away and I am looking forward to opening the Our Stories exhibition.
“Midlothian Council is committed to constantly improving the work we do and ensuring our services make a positive difference to the life chances of people living in poverty.
Impactful community research
“We recognise how impactful community research and lived experience can be to informing service improvements, which is why I am so excited by this project and what it will highlight.
“I encourage everyone to attend and be part of this empowering community research project.”
Working in partnership
Midlothian Council and Midlothian Sure Start secured funding from the Scottish Government’s Child Poverty Practice Accelerator Fund earlier this year to begin the community research project.
Community stories collected
Since then, a team of 13 volunteer community researchers have completed their training and are starting to collect stories from Midlothian residents.
Influencing future policies and decisions
All stories from the project are anonymised and the results will then be presented to decision makers in Midlothian Council to inform policies on improving access to support or redesigning how services are delivered.
Come along
If you would like to share your experiences or hear more about the project, head along to St John’s and King’s Park Church in Dalkeith (opposite Morrison’s), between 10.30am to 2.30pm on Wednesday 9 October 2024. Alternatively, please contact timporteus@midlothiansurestart.org.uk or phone/text 07594 378924.