Parliament lunchtime workshop

Wednesday 12th June 2024 in the Attlee Suite, Portcullis House

1-2pm: Interactive workshop and exhibition with lunch provided

2-3pm: Photographic exhibition drop-in for those who cannot make the lunchtime workshop

This workshop features two research projects ‘Life on the Breadline’ and ‘Hidden Hardship’ by Dr Chris Shannahan and Dr Stephanie Denning at the Centre for Trust, Peace and Social Relations at Coventry University.

The overall aim of the workshop is to facilitate research informed policy responses to urban and rural poverty/hardship in the UK.

The interactive workshop will combine short presentations, activities, and the Life on the Breadline and Hidden Hardship photographic/illustrated exhibitions. The event is kindly hosted by David Linden MP.

Places are free but limited, and the workshop is strictly invitation only. Please RSVP by 31st May 2024 to Dr Stephanie Denning at stephanie.denning@coventry.ac.uk

Urban poverty in Life on the Breadline

‘Life on the Breadline: Christianity, Poverty and Politics in the 21st Century City’ is a research project funded by the Economic and Social Research Council which analysed the nature, scope and impact of Christian engagement with urban poverty in the UK. Find out more about the project here.

The Life on the Breadline Exhibition features photographs from our six case studies in London, Birmingham, and Manchester. The case studies drew out different Christian responses to poverty including a youth charity, foodbank, and a church in the shadow of Grenfell Tower.

‘Hidden Hardship: Everyday experiences, coping strategies, and barriers to wellbeing in rural Britain’ is a research project funded by the British Academy and Leverhulme Trust which examined rural hidden hardship in the North Cotswolds. Find out more about the project here.

The Hidden Hardship Exhibition features illustrations by the artist Beth Waters to accompany research participants’ interview and diary extracts of their experiences of and responses to rural hardship.

Rural hardship in Hidden Hardship

The Life on the Breadline Exhibition at Coventry Cathedral in 2021

The Hidden Hardship Exhibition at Coventry Cathedral in 2024