Alison was a community commissioner on the East Surrey Poverty Truth Commission and part of the Mental Health working group. In this blog she talks about how we can all play a part in building a better community.
When I first joined the East Surrey Poverty Truth Commission (PTC), I didn’t really know what it was. I’d gone to the local pantry for an energy workshop, met Tom, and said yes when he asked if I wanted to join. At the time, life was tough – costs were rising, and like many families, we were just breaking even. I work at a coffee shop and run art classes on the side, but between paying off a loan and managing household expenses, there’s little room for extras. Holidays, takeaways, even new clothes for the kids – those things became luxuries we couldn’t afford.
I moved to the UK from Zimbabwe in 2017, and adjusting to life here was a challenge. Back home, poverty looks very different. Here, I was surprised to learn that I was considered “below the poverty line.” I had a job, a roof over my head, and food on the table – how could that be poverty? It took time to understand that poverty isn’t just about survival; it’s about the choices you don’t have, the opportunities you miss, and the constant stress of making ends meet.
Being part of the PTC opened my eyes to these differences and gave me a voice. I’ve always liked helping people, and this was a way to do that while learning from others. The best part? The get-togethers. They were fun and gave me a sense of belonging. I even made a close friend, Morine, through the Commission. Sharing my story wasn’t always easy – I’m not great at making friends and I tend to keep to myself – but I felt comfortable enough to open up.
There were challenges too. Standing on stage and speaking in front of people was nerve-wracking. I pictured everyone as primary school kids just to get through it! But those moments built my confidence, even if life has thrown setbacks my way since then.
The experience changed me. It reminded me that community matters. Loneliness is real – especially for the elderly who come into the cafe where I work just to chat because we might be the only people they see that day. Through art classes and conversations, I’ve seen how small acts can make a big difference. As I often say: “It makes me feel good that I can make other people feel good about themselves.”
Would I recommend being part of a Poverty Truth Commission? Absolutely. It’s about more than meetings – it’s about creating a better community where everyone lends a helping hand. If we all did that, imagine the impact.
For me, the PTC wasn’t just about poverty – it was about hope, resilience, and connection. And if sharing my story helps even one person see things differently, that’s a win.
