Overview
Investing in Children is working with children and young people on behalf of the Consett and Stanley Poverty Truth Commission having conversations about young people’s understanding of poverty, issues they see in their community and the things that they would like to change.
This is part of the County Durham Poverty Truth Commission. The County Durham Poverty Truth Commission aims are:
1 – We want people to understand that poverty can happen to anyone, and no one should feel ashamed.
2 – We help people who make decisions hear what life is really like for people who are struggling with money.
3 – We bring people who have lived in poverty and people who make decisions together so they can make better choices and improve things.
Investing in Children successfully applied for funding to develop a project with young people which launched in July 2026 in Stanley, working alongside Stanley Young People’s Club. The project will be branching out into Consett via existing groups within the area. This will be an opportunity to connect with other young people, share their views and take part in projects that aim to have a positive impact on the local community.
Funding Source
Poverty Truth Commission is funded by Point North.
Impact
The full Consett and Stanley Poverty Truth Commission was only launched in March 2026 at Craghead Village Hall where Community (lived experience) and Civic (Business) Commissioners came together to share experience and set out expectations for the Consett and Stanley PTC. Supported by Investing in Children, young people attended the launch to present their experience, and to share priorities that they would like to address through the work of the PTC. One of the main priorities highlighted by young people at the event was cutting the cost of the school day including school meals and school uniform. For more information about the PTC and to see videos from the day, go to:
https://www.durhamcommunityaction.org.uk/poverty-truth-commission-2-stanley-and-surrounding-area
Engagement and Outcomes
The group have built relationships with new staff and each other over the last few weeks. During meetings they have identified how poverty affects their lives, in particular school. The young people have planned to facilitate a session with adult and community commissioners to raise these issues.
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