How we work
Changing Realities is made up of parents and carers from different backgrounds, living in a variety of circumstances across the UK. All have different strengths, needs and experiences. All are living on a low income and many face a daily struggle to get by.
One thing that all the parents share is a commitment to pushing for change, trying to make the future better for everyone.
Illustrations by Catherine Fortey“ I really hope that collectively we can make huge changes for the future, so other people don’t suffer such struggles to live. ”- Lili K
It’s vital that project work happens in a very open, flexible, engaging way that works for as many people as possible.
That’s why Changing Realities:
▶︎▶︎▶︎ Takes a participatory approach
▶︎▶︎▶︎ Uses a range of media to communicate and challenge
▶︎▶︎▶︎ Uses bespoke online platforms and digital technology to aid participation
We’re always happy to talk to other practitioners, academics and charities about the methods we’ve used and what we’ve learned from these approaches.
You can get in touch with us hereParticipatory approach
Changing Realities is a collaboration between participants with lived expertise, researchers at the University of York and the national charity Child Poverty Action Group. It is essential to the project’s success that participants are equal partners, driving decision-making and working together for change.
Changing Realities uses online platforms specifically developed for us by Fork studio to help us collaborate and share our work more easily.
Meet the teamWe are always carefully considering and balancing the ethical implications of a participatory approach. We acknowledge where traditional power imbalances exist and seek to challenge them wherever possible.
How to include lived expertise in research, policy and campaigning
Explore our toolkit
Campaigning
Changing Realities is a way for parents and carers to get more involved with politics, speak directly to those in power and campaign for change.
Changing Realities participants from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have travelled to Westminster to speak to MPs about the challenges they are facing and the changes they want to see.
Our collectively written letter to the Prime Minister was read out in parliament and was exhibited at the Wellcome Collection.
Read letter to Prime MinisterArts-based methods
The Changing Realities participants and project team share their insights and experiences using a whole range of creative media including zines, poems, podcasts, audio, video and blogging.
We work collaboratively with a range of artists including writers, sound artists, zine makers and illustrators.
By using a range of outlets for communication and self-expression, Changing Realities gives parents and carers a space to discover or strengthen creative skills and connect with each other, as well as amplifying experiences that need to be heard.
Explore our workHow we share Changing Realities
The Living Archive
Written, video and audio diary entries and conversations updated in real time Visit the Living ArchiveBriefings
Rapid response briefings, sharing experiences and setting out co-produced recommendations for change Read our briefings
Zines
Telling our stories through DIY, self-published magazines Read our zinesVideos
Telling our stories through video clips and animations Watch nowPoetry and writing workshops
Regular creative workshops held both on and offline Read our workMedia engagement
Speaking to radio, press and TV See moreChanging Realities Involvement Network
Involving lived experiences in policy, research and campaigning Find out morePodcast
An hour-long podcast broadcast on community radio across the UK or learn moreLetter writing
Our collectively written letter to the Prime Minister was presented in parliament and exhibited in London Read our letter to the PMBlogs
Our reflections on the challenges of life on a low income, and ideas for where change is most needed Read our blogMethodological outputs
Documenting our methods through toolkits and other resources “How to include lived expertise in research, policy and campaigning” Explore our toolkitChanging Realities in conversation
“ It's great having a voice that influences things and to have recognition and remuneration in kind for the time spent. As a disabled working class woman, I often feel invisible and overlooked. The Changing Realities project makes me feel valued. ”- Autumn