Guest blog: We tell our stories not for pity – but as a demand for change

Projects like this allow participants to hold space, when some aspects of their experience may be triggering to share, by listening and not judging; a safe space evolves and community happens, nobody has to perform their poverty or trauma, sharing their real life stories isn't done to elicit sympathy or pity, but to demand justice, equality and change.

Being involved in this project has been confidence-boosting for us all, lots of support was provided, we appreciated the opportunity to come together and became community/allies/supporters/friends. It is empowering to be able to help make changes for the better. It's also cathartic to be heard and valued, as a counterpoint to the frustrations felt as recipients of an unfair system.

Massive thanks are due to Isla and her colleagues at the Poverty Alliance and Fair by Design, for their attentive support. We've been given lots of encouragement, advice, and practical help. Every participant has felt valued, they've covered our costs travel and childcare, they've offered 1-1 support as needed, and group feedback and sharing sessions have allowed us to improve and evolve our stories. Help with the creative process has allowed us to take the time we need with no pressure.

The creative journey/process has been so interesting - revealing and cathartic at the same time. It's healing to be seen and heard. These are powerful snapshots documenting a person's struggle at a difficult time, and every one of these scenarios could happen to anyone at any time. It's so crucial that people understand these things aren't our fault, but that we're also not asking for pity or condescension. Instead, we ask for understanding and change.

These are accounts of everyday humble lives - our sense of security is precarious, our days have been fraught, and so many of us are struggling and feel the stigma and shame. Despite knowing the system is unfair, every one of these people tried their best to provide for their loved ones. At the very least, society should give them credit!

We know what needs to change. We directly feel the impacts of unfair credit scoring/banking rules. Fair by Design have the recommendations, and expert data ready to show how this can be done and made to work. Meaningful changes and reform will help so many people across the UK to access fair credit and avoid a debt spiral. These campaigns are only effective if you do something about it. Thanks for 'hearing' and 'seeing' us, but that's not enough - strong political will and significant reform is needed.

This project has allowed us to share our stories and struggles in a supported way. The group sessions have let us hold space for each other, with consideration for their trauma, their boundaries respected, and support offered and given appropriately. We have been able to share our personal struggles without it feeling as if our trauma was being performed. We've shared these things not to elicit sympathy or pity, but as a powerful demand for justice, equality, fairness and dignity. We don't want you to see our photos and feel sorry for us, we want you to see that reform and change is required.