Team Anti-Poverty

Why as a team did you choose to focus on this challenge?

In our opinion, hidden poverty is very huge. The amount of people that are in this situation is astonishing. There could be people you know, like your family and friends who are in this situation, and you wouldn't have any idea because they usually don't admit that they are in a bad financial situation. So, knowing more about this topic would raise awareness of hidden poverty, and would help the people in that situation feel less embarrassed about opening up about their struggles. There are a lot of people in this situation, and spreading awareness could help many families

What do you know now about the challenge that you didn't know before?

I had no idea how many people were suffering with hidden poverty. It's sad they don't ask for help, and feel embarrassed. I was surprised by the number of people who admitted to being less better off than others, and that's only counting the people that were brave enough to admit their struggles. I'm surprised there's not a lot of help for these people. They usually have to work many jobs just to get by. Most of them have children, and these children have a tough time in school as they have limited resources unlike the other children.

What have you learnt about your Hero?

The name of our hero is Steven Smith. He is 47 years old, with 3 children. His nationality is British/Irish. He has only one challenge in life, and that is finances. He is currently supporting his wife and children with low income, and debt. What have I learned? I've learned that even you could have the similarities with the hero. For example, you could share the same gender, you could be married, you could work at a supermarket, you could rent your home. You can be like the hero and prioritise your family over everything and do anything for them.

If you could improve one thing for your Hero what would that be?

To help my hero, I would give them advice on how to save money. A few examples would be; plan shopping, buy only essentials, turn the lights off when you're not in the room to reduce electricity bills, try to look for a better job, or get a second one. Here are some examples of things I would do; Cancel automatic subscriptions and memberships you don't use such as life apps or tv programs, buy from cheaper brands, reduce energy costs, pack lunch and eat at home as it's cheaper. That would be my advice to my hero.

Do you have any ideas for a potential solution? No matter how raw, share them with your Mentors for feedback.

Set up centres where people can ask for help for free, which provide food for people struggling to buy it. There can be activities for children while the parents are discussing finances, such as a ball pit, a playground outside with supervision and arts and crafts. Parents can receive free therapy and support for their mental health. Hair dressers will be provided so people have better hygiene and have a higher chance of getting a decent job. People can get free showers with sanitary products provided, so they give off good impressions when finding work.

Ask your Mentor anything …. This is a chance to ask your Mentors a direct question relating to your Big Idea.

What are signs of hidden poverty? What can you do to help someone with hidden poverty? How many people are actually helped once they reveal their situation?

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