For people around the UK, poverty means a lot of different things. Today, we share 'This is poverty', a film by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and Connected Pictures, which explores the experiences of 7 people and what poverty means to them in their own words.

The short documentary illustrates the commonality of their experiences, the different dimensions of poverty and how it can lock and restrict people. They talk about the injustice of it and most importantly, how poverty can be solved if we work together to redesign our economy and services.

"When you don't have money, you don't have control over your life"

Kai, Dale, Gillian and Ashley are members of our Talking about Poverty programme, run in partnership with the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and Trust for London. A huge congratulations to them and all the contributors and our thanks for sharing their powerful and moving stories and words of hope.

"There's quite a lot of strength and quite a lot of bravery to continue pushing through a situation like that"

Kai told us he had a "fantastic experience" working with Connected Pictures, and he thinks the film is important to him because it meant he was "able to help people."

On Road had the opportunity to support Kai, Dale, Gillian and Ashley before and after filming, briefing them on interview prep, framing and well-being. Before the film, they took part in some of the peer support sessions as well as training on Engaging with the Media and framing expertise; all activities from our project. We also supported the production process behind the scenes and shared our Better Stories guidance with the team.

Alana Avery, from On Road Media said about the film:

"It feels like each contributor was given the right space that supported them to be relaxed, open and frank. Each person has a strong message, articulated in a provocative, moving, framed way that strikes a chord. It's an emotional watch but vital today - it tells us poverty can be solved and isn't right.

For me, this beautifully shot film is an excellent example of what's possible when positive collaboration in the media happens, that works for everyone. I'm proud to have played a small part in the process. I hope each person's story will have a powerful impact on the public's understanding of poverty."

Please let us know what you think and share it with your networks.

Article and visual images reproduced from On Road Media

On Road is a charity that improves media coverage and public understanding of misrepresented groups and issues. We support people with first hand experience of the issues to do safer, more strategic media work, bringing them together with journalists to inspire great content.