Changing Realities: Taking our Messages to the Heart of Government

I had an interesting meeting I wanted to tell you about. I had the opportunity to meet with the Minister for Employment and the Secretary of State for Education at 10 Downing Street. I was asked to join as a member of Changing Realities who I have been a part of for 4 years, we are a group of nearly 200 parents and carers who talk about our lived experience of poverty and raising children.

It has been a long journey to get to Downing Street and talk about the issues that really matter to us. In the lead up to our meeting I had some time to really reflect on all of what we have achieved, and how sharing our experiences and stories has encouraged others to speak up and join our movement.  

Walking to the gates and finding myself on the steps of the famous front door we usually see through the TV screens of our daily news programme or a newspaper article, I felt a huge sense of pride in being there. I managed to capture that moment and I took some pictures outside that front door it felt so good. I couldn’t wait to go in and start the hard work of telling the ministers what needs to change to ensure all children get to grow up without the worries of poverty.

In entering the grand dining room and finding our seats at the table, we received a warm welcome, sitting together shoulder to shoulder with ministers and government officials. I spoke on my ongoing challenges as an NHS contract worker and being constantly worried about insecure work and the ups and downs of my income. I shared the challenges I faced as a lone parent when I was trying to get back into work, and the need to improve support for parents and carers trying to get back into work, we need meaningful and long-term fulfilling jobs, without the worries of sanctions on our already stretched incomes.  

The best thing about all of this was that we were all in one room and not only because of the seating arrangements and sharing the table together but feeling heard and knowing that we are working towards the same goal of reducing the harms of child poverty.  

Many of us had moments when we felt overwhelmed in sharing our stories, I was tearful hearing the stories of my fellow Changing Realities members. However, we pushed through with the hope of changing policies that will improve the living standards of the many families living on low incomes who struggle in silence.

The Ministers listened to us with empathy and showed understanding of our issues and the problems we face, we left the room with a promise of improvement and a government willing to work on the issues we raised.

After the meeting we made the most of our historical surroundings and the many important people who had passed through those doors, with a tour of 10 Downing Street. I was reminded that I was one of those important people in a government building making changes, and ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive. Seeing the different rooms and sitting on the furniture sat on by prime ministers, royals and heads of state, felt like a proud and funny feeling, like ‘OMG what I am doing here, is this real?’.

It was a lovely experience, something I will remember and be proud of, a moment for all of us at Changing Realities. This wouldn’t be possible without people sharing their stories and experiences. I told my son about what we achieved and I’ve promised to take him with me next time.