Transforming Participation

How building relationships across communities expands our understanding of child poverty

The ‘Voices for’ projects allow people to have their voice heard directly by decision makers, and be more involved in community planning. It is a modest but effective method.

The Voices for Equity project matched 30 members of the community and decision makers in 15 different learning relationships. Together they shared experiences and perspectives on poverty and inequality. From their learning partner, decision makers learnt how life is when you need to start planning for Christmas in January, how it is to go to the foodbank for help to feed your children and how stressful it is to constantly look for ways to reduce your expense. They learnt how living in poverty affected their learning partners’ aspirations and choices in life, and how they felt this had an impact on their children. One factor raised by many was about the mismatch between the advice given on how to give your children a healthy lifestyle and the means and opportunities you have to follow these guidelines on a low income and how this affects you as a parent. Another important perspective raised was how parents and families experienced geographical barriers, and how the stigma of living in poverty affects people.

The free set-up gave participants the time and freedom they needed to develop close and trusting relationships with their learning partners, and it also allowed participants to speak about  things important to them. This meant that conversations were led by the community participants, giving them the opportunity to discuss matters that were relevant to them.

The project was closely monitored and evaluated. Evidence showed that participants increased their knowledge and understanding of inequalities: decision makers who have lived in Shetland for many years said they gained new knowledge and insight into how it is to live in Shetland on a low income.

It is difficult to establish a direct causal link between discussions and specific actions, particularly as a change in actions can take time. However, civic participants all reported using their newfound insight and knowledge in their workplace and amongst other departments and policy influencers. The Voices for Equity method produced new types of evidence by involving people personally through new relationships across communities in Shetland. The outcome is for the increased knowledge and understanding gained through the relationships and conversations to lead to a change in approach, service delivery and priorities.

The Voices for Change project uses the same methodology.  It draws on the strong positive feedback from the Voices for Equity project, aiming to facilitate participation and explore how it can inform and shape renewal and development for Shetland in the wake of Covid – 19. To ensure that the focus stays on the future of Shetland, the project prioritises bringing forward young peoples’ voices and perspectives on matters important to them.