My name is Alison Fisher. I became involved with round two of the Morecambe Bay Poverty Truth Commission in May 2022.

I contacted MBPTC during a very challenging period in my life, involving very poor health, family breakdown and general uncertainty about my future. The final issue which provoked my initial email to Ally MacKenzie, one of the facilitators, was a disastrous encounter at Eggcup, where I was unable to find anything I was able to prepare. This was due to health problems and a lack of suitable cooking or storage facilities. The staff and I were mutually frustrated and I was too distressed to give a full explanation of the reasons why the vegetables and frozen products were unsuitable. I left with a packet of cereal bars and a determination to do something to bring this to the attention of anyone who could possibly help. Fortunately, the poster for the MBPTC was in the window of Eggcup.

I emailed Ally and we arranged to meet within a few days. She was a kind and compassionate person, who seemed to respect that despite adverse life events and various challenges, I had a valuable contribution to offer. She was also able to offer the support of the Citizen’s Representative to help deal with some very pressing challenges that I was dealing with at the time. This was enormously helpful, both in terms of the outcomes of meeting her and knowing that there were people who could actually help. After leaving Ally that day, I suddenly had a new potential role as a Community Commissioner, and possible support with issues which had previously seemed insurmountable.

Being part of the commission was a huge part in helping me to accept my adverse life circumstances and recover from them. I was surrounded by people who had suffered from their own difficulties and still had the strength to participate in a cause which would genuinely benefit others as well as themselves. They were appreciative of each other’s efforts to share their stories and we laughed and cried together as we did so. Sharing food and experiences also helped us to establish bonds as Community Commissioners and as friends.

The process of getting to know each other’s stories was a structured process, but individualised by the uniqueness of each person. People were kind and keen to support one another, with mistakes greeted with kindness, wisdom and discretion. A great example of this was Steve, who tragically succumbed to worsening health problems, but who left an indelible mark on the lives of those he touched. A very moving memorial service was held for him at the Cornerstone in Lancaster, which simultaneously celebrated the joy and warmth he brought to those who knew him and provided an opportunity to mourn his death and pay tribute to a talented, funny and intelligent man. Memories of him were shared, and a poem he wrote about othering and stigma endured by those in severe poverty, was read at the service and is now included in the resulting training programme for GPs.

Sadly, another Community Commissioner was also lost. His name was Lee and was in his mid-50s. Despite facing personal challenges alongside health issues and financial poverty, Lee was generous and intelligent. Following his death, members of the commission again came together to remember him at a beautiful memorial service held locally. He was obviously loved and valued by many people and I am grateful to have shared in a service giving thanks for his life.

Lee visualised reliable digital inclusion for those living in the West End of Morecambe, recognising the significant people whose lives were severely affected by being unable to access online services. Phil Sykes, the other group facilitator, has ensured that digital inclusion within the West End has been achieved. The Link on West Street, which also serves as an outpost of Lancaster & Morecambe College, allows the teaching of Maths and English as well as other courses to take place within the West End of Morecambe.

Participating in the commission was invaluable. I first met the Community and Civic Commissioners at the round two launch at the Storey Gallery in Lancaster. Everyone was very welcoming and I began to attend various events as part of the commission, including the People’s Power House in Manchester where I met Andy Burnham, the National Gatherings in Derbyshire in 2022 and 2023, and the Carnegie Trust Residentials in Manchester during 2023 and 2024, along with many online events. I have also written for many aspects of the network, including this blog, undertaken writing with the local Citizens Advice Bureau and also written a supporting piece for the Uniform Project. 

Because of these experiences, I began a course on Citizen Journalism, leading me to write for the local Thrive magazine and taking part in many different initiatives on themes such as local food security. I have also sat on steering committees, including one for the role of Citizen’s Representative which allowed feedback to be given on the role and suggestions to support funding bids. It has been an incredible experience to be involved in these endeavours and doing so has transformed my confidence.

I would strongly urge anyone in round three to do as much as they feel able to, since the opportunities involved are exciting, meaningful opportunities to look at issues of social injustice from various angles. Although there is no pressure to do these things, it is hugely empowering and offers people who are often excluded from the decision-making process an opportunity for involvement in politics at a local and national level.

Being involved with the Poverty Truth Network as a Community Commissioner has been one of the most exciting processes in my life. Listening to others in poverty and being heard both by them and Civic Commissioners is life changing. It validates personal experience, supports the reduction of stigma for ourselves and others and encourages us to understand the stories they share about themselves. Many civic commissioners also shared their own difficult experiences, many relating to personal experience of poverty, which was interesting. The deep listening skills acquired during the life of the commission has changed my interactions with others, allowing me to absorb and retain different levels of information, which has at times changed decisions I may previously have made. This seems to be leading to a more rounded basis for relationships. 

It is wonderful to have completed round two and witness round three commissioners begin their journey. I wish you all well, with great excitement and just a hint of envy. It is a wonderful process. Enjoy!