Dear John

What stories, myths and assumptions are commonly held about people experiencing poverty? And what is the truth behind them?

Today we start sharing a new guest series of stories on Church Action on Poverty's blog. They're told by Stef Benstead, a social justice campaigner, Manchester Poverty Truth Commissioner, and an expert on the mistreatment of disabled people.

We hope you'll read the stories, reflect on them, and share them more widely.

Stories that challenge and change

These are intentionally contrary stories that push back against negative ideas, and force us all to re-examine negative stigmas and stereotypes. They are longer than our usual blogs, and we encourage you to read them when you have the time to do so in full.

The first story is about Emma's road to church. Here's what Stef says about Emma's story:

Emma is the kind of person who’s pointed out on the street as an exemplifier of all that’s supposedly wrong with Britain. The obesity epidemic; the eating of fast-food and processed food and sweets and ice creams; the lack of work ethic; the attitude that believes it’s right and better to take state money than to work.

Except that that’s not Emma’s story. That’s the narrative that rich and lazy people weave in their heads around people like Emma… because it’s easier than finding out the truth.

Read Emma's full story here

Best wishes

Liam Purcell, Church Action on Poverty

PS If you'd like to read more of Stef's writing, she's contributed a section to 'Like a Root out of Dry Ground', a new resource for Holy Week from the Iona Community. Find out more and order it here:

Like a Root out of Dry Ground

Church Action on Poverty
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