This is poverty.

At this turbulent time, we’re finding out just how much we all rely on each other in our society, and these difficult circumstances have awakened our compassion.

We need to make sure there is compassion, justice and action for each and every one of us when we face hard times.

Around one in five of us were already in poverty before the outbreak began – already boxed in by high rents and growing costs, often while struggling with health conditions and juggling caring responsibilities.

What effect does poverty’s tight grip have on people’s lives?

In this powerful new short film, from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) and Connected Pictures, the experiences of seven people from around the UK are boldly illustrated in their own words.

The short documentary shows that while a range of events can lead to people getting locked into poverty, there is commonality in people’s emotional experiences and the impact it has on their well-being.

The film demonstrates that poverty has different dimensions, a contributor puts it: ‘[Poverty] means many things, that will also be different for different people.’

The film also creates an understanding of how people’s circumstances restrict their ability to live their lives freely and fulfil their potential.

It poignantly demonstrates the injustice of being held back by poverty - and that it doesn’t have to be this way.

The unignorable conclusion of the film is that if our economy and services were redesigned for each and every one of us, and if we all work together around a shared goal, poverty can be solved.

If you've been affected by any of the issues raised in this film, the following organisations may be able to offer advice and support:

Citizen's Advice - https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/
Samaritans - https://www.samaritans.org/
Barnardo's - https://www.barnardos.org.uk/
Centrepoint - https://centrepoint.org.uk/
NHS - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/social-...

A massive thank you to all of the participants who took part in the making of this film, and for sharing your stories.

Connected Pictures is an award-winning production company that specialises in emotional, human, storytelling. Our belief is that when people uncover the best and deepest parts of themselves true connections are made. These human stories have the power to change the world.

A special thanks to On Road Media for making this film happen.

#ThisIsPoverty #SolveUKPoverty