Overview

Can we truly address poverty without centring the voices of those who live it? Bringing together voices from academia, grassroots activism, NGOs and the UK voluntary sector, this timely and accessible book explores how participatory approaches to activism can drive genuine, inclusive change. Through short, focused chapters, the authors critically unpack the contested definitions of ‘co-production’, ‘participation’ and ‘lived experience’ while showcasing practice models from across the globe. Their practical reflections highlight what ethical, impactful collaboration looks like in action. Led by an established voice in lived-experience anti-poverty activism, this book offers practical insight and principled guidance for anyone seeking to build fairer, more inclusive systems – where those most affected are not only heard, but are leading the way.

Full Product Details

Author:   Lynne Ball (APLE Collective) ,  Alimany Bangura (APLE Collective) ,  Ibrahim Bangura (RAPAR) ,  Christopher Burns (APLE Collective)
Publisher:   Bristol University Press
Imprint:   Policy Press
ISBN:  

9781447377139

ISBN 10:   1447377133
Pages:   230
Publication Date:   19 May 2026
Audience:   College/higher education ,  General/trade ,  Postgraduate, Research & Scholarly ,  General
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Forthcoming
Availability:   Not yet available  
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Table of Contents

Foreword: Poverty is real – Funmilayo Olaniyan Foreword - Martin Jones Vice Chancellor, University of Staffordshire Part 1 Preface: A Global Human Rights Perspective on Lived Experience Activism – Kartik Raj 1. Introduction – Katy Goldstraw 2. RAPAR; A Human Rights Approach to Lived Experience Activism – Rahwa Beyene Gebretatios, Ibrahim Bangura, Rhetta Ann Moran, Amy Marsdon and Gráinne McMahon 3. Ethical and Collaborative Entanglements in Creative Co-Production – Rebecca Nunes 4. Co-Produced Participatory Lived Experience Activism Through the Eyes of the African Philosophy of Ubuntu – Robert Chigangaidze 5. Valuing People: How to Thank ‘Experts by Experience’ for Their Time and Expertise – Rachel Krengel 6. ATD Fourth World: Participatory Action Research– Tom Croft Part 2 7. APLE Collective: Taking Voice Seriously – Patricia Bailey, Lynne Ball, Alimany Bangura, Christopher Burns, Amanda Button, Eva Carrillo Roas, Tom Croft, Corrina Eastwood, Dylan Eastwood, Katy Goldstraw, Lara Groves, Justina Heffton, Tracey Knight, Thomas Mayes, Ryan McMurdo, Caroline Mockford, Philip Parkes, Annon Pedro, Steven Porter and Brian Scott 8. Poverty Truth Network: Relationships, Relationships, Relationships - Sam Crowe, Andrew Grinnell, Martin Johnstone, Carrie Anne Mizen, Erin Simmons, Kidi Teklemariam and Joanna Young 9. Joseph Rowntree Foundation: Learning with the Grassroots Poverty Action Group – Aleks Collingwood, Katy Goldstraw, Melanie Lock, Maria McCauley, Kirsten Nott, Tamblin Steven, Nadine Travers and Emma Wincup 10. Trussell: Developing a Participation Strategy with People Who Have Lived Experience of Food Banks – David Coffin 11. Church Action on Poverty: Participatory Approaches to Addressing Poverty with Lived Experience – Niall Cooper 12. Co-operative Councils Innovation Network: Co-operating Against Poverty in Rochdale – Helen Davies 13. Biddulph Town Council: Biddulph Works Together – Jill Salt and Sarah Haydon 14. Conclusion - Katy Goldstraw, Robert Chigangaidze, David Coffin, Helen Davies, Rachel Krengel, Helena MacDonald, Grainne McMahon, Rebecca Nunes, Valerie McKie, Annon Pedro and Jill Salt Epilogue. A Call to Inspiration. We Can End poverty – Valerie McKie

Reviews

“This is an inspiring collection, bringing together many different groups that have been transforming the way anti-poverty policy, research and activism is done in the UK. It combines hands-on guides for how this work is done, with reflections on the challenges involved, as well as some of the theoretical foundations of this work. It is an invaluable tool for everyone who wants to deepen coproduction with people who have lived experience of poverty.” Ben Geiger, King's College London “This thought-provoking and inspiring collection introduces readers to the vibrant landscape of ‘co-produced activism’ shaped by the voices of lived experience. Policy makers – national and local – are among those who would benefit from its insights.” Baroness Lister of Burtersett, House of Lords “This powerful, philosophically rich book explores the theory behind ethics of practice in anti-poverty and social rights campaign work. It argues for the primacy of voice, self-representation, dignity and political agency, foregrounding the power of intimate knowledge in the ongoing struggle for epistemic justice.” Sharon Clancy, University of Nottingham

“This is an inspiring collection, bringing together many different groups that have been transforming the way anti-poverty policy, research and activism is done in the UK. It combines hands-on guides for how this work is done, with reflections on the challenges involved, as well as some of the theoretical foundations of this work. It is an invaluable tool for everyone who wants to deepen coproduction with people who have lived experience of poverty.” Ben Geiger, King's College London

Author Information

Katy Goldstraw is Lecturer in Health and Social Care at Keele University, and an independent academic and activist working with anti-poverty charities.

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