FAMILIES living in poverty in Trafford are being urged to have their say on their experiences in a bid to help those in need.

The Trafford Poverty Truth Commission has been launched by the council, Trafford Housing Trust and Stretford Public Hall and aims to tackle poverty and the surrounding issues by hearing directly from those affected.

The commission gives Trafford residents the chance to share their real life experiences of living in poverty and the struggles that come with it with leaders from the private, public and voluntary sectors and explore creative ways to address poverty across the borough.

The first engagement event saw 60 people gather at Stretford Public Hall from local businesses, public services and the surrounding communities to discuss the aims of the commission.

Speakers at the event included representatives from the Poverty Truth Network, commissioners from the Manchester Poverty Truth Commission and Cllr Graham Whitham, executive member for communities at Trafford Council.

The commission is now looking for business leaders from Trafford to sponsor the project and be part of the future discussions ahead of a full programme launch early in 2022.

Cllr Whitham said: “I am delighted to have been able to support getting a Poverty Truth Commission going in Trafford.

“I have seen how effective they have been at identifying local responses to poverty in other parts of the country and I wanted to bring this idea to Trafford. Too many people in our communities across the borough are living in poverty and we are now saying that enough is enough. We need to have the conversation about poverty and speak directly with those struggling to make ends meet.

“I believe the Trafford Poverty Truth Commission will be an extremely important vehicle in bringing groups together to discuss poverty. We are making this issue a priority for Trafford Council and its partners and we are confident the Poverty Truth Commission will succeed with its aims. Please get involved – you will be helping so many people.”

Zoe Taylor, support manager at Trafford Housing Trust, said: “We have always been committed to tackling poverty through our community grants programme, and this is another great opportunity to further understand and support the needs of the most vulnerable people in our neighbourhoods.”

Claire Vibert, Poverty Truth Commission coordinator for Stretford Public Hall, said: “This is an exciting and timely project. People in Trafford are feeling the effects of poverty and this is an opportunity to take a step back and look for long term solutions based on the experiences of those living in poverty.

“We would be delighted to hear from anyone who feels they can contribute to the project, and will support them throughout the process.”

To find out how to become involved and sponsor the Poverty Truth Commission, you can email the Poverty Truth Commission team at Stretford Public Hall on traffordptc@stretfordpublichall.org.uk.